ESPN reports that after he cleared his waivers on Monday, former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison signed with the New England Patriots. The 39-year-old visited the Patriots facilities on Tuesday, where he signed a one year deal. The team released LB Trevor Reilly in order to create a roster spot on the team. Harrison previously posted a picture of himself alongside the Patriots 40-year-old QB Tom Brady on Instagram, writing “Finally… A teammate that’s older than me!“
James Harrison is the Pittsburgh Steelers all-time leader in sacks with 80.5, but the franchise released him on Saturday, gaining a roster spot for tackle Marcus Gilbert, who returned from suspension. Harrison already played a smaller role with the Steelers in the last three seasons, but that didn’t stop him from posting at least five sacks in each of them. This season, giving more opportunities to Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt, the Steelers reduced Harrison to only 40 snaps in 14 games. In the last season, he participated in 587 snaps.
James Harrison went undrafted in 2002 NFL Draft, and spend a short time with the Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Rhein Fire, before returning to the Steelers in 2004. He stayed with the team until 2013, when he joined Cincinnati Bengals. Only a year after, he returned to the Steelers for the third time. Besides 82.5 career sacks, Harrison’s NFL stats include 788 tackles, 33 forced fumbles, one interception and one defensive touchdown. He won two Super Bowls during his career, alongside being five times Pro Bowler and getting the NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2008.
The New England Patriots have struggled with the outside linebacker position for the better part of the 2017 season, using numerous players to fill in the role. Harrison might just be the right man to serve as a short-term for their problems.
