Nick Harris may get a chance to show what he can do for an entire season in Jacksonville.
Harris, who joined the Jaguars five games into the 2011 season and solidified a shaky punting situation, re-signed with the team Tuesday afternoon, a move that kept him off the open market as the opening of the NFL's pro free agency period approached. The free agency period is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The Jaguars also on Tuesday released veteran Kassim Osgood, a reserve wide receiver and special teams specialist. Osgood played two seasons with the Jaguars, registering 25 special teams tackles in two seasons.
Harris, the fourth veteran to re-sign with the Jaguars since early last week, originally signed with the Jaguars last October 11, taking over the punting duties after veteran Matt Turk was waived.
Harris, an 11-year veteran, immediately gave the position stability, finishing the season with a 42.7-yard gross average and a 37.9-yard net. He also had 13 punts inside the 20 with just five touchbacks.
Harris, 33, in 11 NFL seasons has a 42.5-yard gross average and a 35.7-yard net. The Jaguars in January signed free-agent punter Spencer Lanning, a first-year veteran. Lanning and Harris are the only two punters currently on the roster.
Harris had indicated late in the season he wanted to return to Jacksonville.
Harris joined cornerback Rashean Mathis and offensive tackles Guy Whimper and William Robinson as veterans who have re-signed with the team as the free-agency period approached. The Jaguars also earlier this month placed the franchise tag on veteran kicker Josh Scobee.
The team would like to reach a long-term agreement with Scobee.
The team has several players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents at 4 p.m. Tuesday, a list that includes two starters – safety Dwight Lowery and defensive end Jeremy Mincey.
Osgood, a three-time Pro Bowl selection as a special teams player with San Diego, caught five passes for 102 yards and a touchdown for Jacksonville.
"I had a great experience in Jacksonville," Osgood said via Twitter upon his release.
