James Harrison went unclaimed on waivers since being released by the Steelers a few days ago, but has since quickly found a new team. The veteran linebacker has signed with the Patriots, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). The contract will only last through the remainder of this season, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrtaed (Twitter link).
The team has also released linebacker Trevor Reilly to make room on the 53-man roster, reports Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Harrison, 39, has had an amazing career since latching on with the Steelers after going undrafted as a rookie. He was currently in his second stint with the team after a quick stop with the Bengals in 2013. However, the veteran saw his role with the Steelers diminish greatly this season, appearing in just five games in Pittsburgh.
While Harrison may not be the player he once was, he may be able to bring some leadership and ample postseason experience to a youthful New England defense team next month.
The Patriots could use some more depth at the linebacker position with likes of Elandon Roberts, David Harris, Marquis Flowers getting much of the playing time. In addition, starter Kyle Van Noy was forced to sit out in Week 16 because of a calf injury.
The signing also adds further fuel to the rivalry between the Patriots and the Steelers as both groups look to be in strong position once again to meet in the AFC Championship for a second year in a row. Both teams earned first round byes with wins in Week 16.
Field Yates of ESPN.com had previously reported that Harrison was visiting the Patriots today. (Twitter link).
Someone wants revenge…
as soon as I heard he got released I said Patriots!! he gonna go to the Patriots and he gonna win a Superbowl !!
Bandwagon
He’ll go to New England, they’ll make him spill all the defensive playbook, then they’ll cut him once they get the info because it’s just part of what New England does.
Show us where Bill hurt you.
@mack83 – that was my first thought was well. It’s the only reason they’d bring him in.
That and they desperately need a pass rusher!
Lmao like every coach does . That’s not cheating . philly does it , Denver does it Every team does . Don’t be sour
They don’t sign Hall of Fame players for one week to get him to leak a playbook from his team he spent so much time with and departed on good terms. They do that stuff to young kids.
You’re talking about the Patriots.
He will sign there. It feels like the Patriots sign every in season free agent who is half decent.
Incoming conspiracy comments in 3, 2, 1
Already started above lol
Age is way overrated. Harrison is just a terrific player. He will be an incredible asset to the Patriots.
So terrific he wasn’t claimed. His knowledge of the Steelers playbook will be the great asset.
Because in the next 144 or so hours they’ll bleed him for every little bit of info they already have, scouted and have film on. SMH
And James was good but not so much any more. You are right Hammer. You have no real secrets on D that can not be exposed by watching video. Now if it were an offensive player was picked up, getting some things like what makes them audible and to what kind of plays based on what you D is doing, silent count info, would be much more beneficial
why would you claim him? 75% of the teams in the league have one game left plus for those in the playoffs, why would you want to pay the prorated amount of his contract. the no claim was simply smart businesd
You’re right. While the prorated portion of the contract isn’t much of a difference for the remainder of this season. If they’d have claimed him they’d be on the hook for his contract next season.
Contact isn’t guaranteed.
But if they wanted to keep him beyond this year, they would have to pay what the contract was for. Now they can pay him on their terms, not the Steeler’s terms.
the Patriots sign free agents who are decent or once great and make them good @Darell Revis, @Chris Hogan, ECT.
Agreed. Randy Moss, M Bennett…etc. but I did expect them to turn Amendola into a stud and he hasn’t done a whole lot there.
Bc he’s fragile. They manage him a lot, but he shows up in the playoffs. His playoff stats are pretty good. But he’s also typically going up against JE as well.
Amendola is money in the playoffs! That’s what matters
As long as he doesn’t get hit hard.
Sure. But he’s 40. Barely saw the field this year.
Of course he is visiting the Patriots. WTT wouldn’t he? Enemy player that seems washed up goes there and does either really well or at least good enough to deserve a rotational spot on the roster lol. Crazy to me. Watch him go there and win a ring. That would really rub salt in the wound after last weeks loss lol. I know I’d be mad if I was a Steelers fan personally if he does.
I don’t give 2 craps about James Harrison. If he was good enough to play he would have been playing. Simple as that.
Yeah I feel like we were saying all these same great things when David Harris came over from the Jets but he doesn’t even play, so unless Harrison can still drop back into coverage I doubt the Pats are that interested.
Harrison is a lot different than Harris.
Harrison will make at least one big play that matters, because the Pats will only ask their bench players to do what they can do best.
All he would be able to do is to try to rush the passer. A couple of years ago that may have a problem for the Steelers. However, he may still have the strength but he no longer is as quick with his foot speed. That is why he barley played this season. On top of that, the OL for Pittsburgh has practiced against him for years. They know his moves.
Likewise, he knows what they don’t do well. Advantage Harrison.
No the much the Steelers are doing poorly on offense. Advantages steeler offense.
Def. End –Linebacker. What did Tomlin think Harrison was going to do go home because they released him.
I don’t hear Steelers players crying. They knew he wanted to play. Just because the Pat’s signed him doesn’t mean he’ll stick. BB wants to win–whatever team configuration he puts on the field. He knows where they need help.
The Steelers know BB, they knew if he made it thru waivers BB would have a look.
who cares!?!
so instead of standing on the Steelers sidelines he’ll stand on the Patriots. Again, who cares!
It’s not about the player…he just doesn’t have it anymore. But he just sealed his fate with Steeler fans. Sorry Deebo. You should’ve just hung up your cleats.
At least you make the Pats worse.
Makes the Pats worse? How dumb was that statement.
Not as dumb as you think. Deebo is not what he used to be. Loved to watch him play but he is not the same fearsome player he used to be
He doesn’t have to be what he was. They need help at LB and he’s better than the crap that’s out there now. He’ll play well enough for them
He can only do one thing now and that’s rush the passer. and he’s not close to where he once was. they leave him on the field other than passing plays he becomes a liability.
Mother
As soon as he was released, I knew he’d sign with the Pats.
He’ll sack Ben to end the Steelers season…after Tomlin’s headset is switched over to disco, the balls are deflated and the Patriots steal some signals.
Then a bunch of racists who look like Archie Bunker whose wives look like John Kerry in a dress will cheer.
Obviously, only a prejudiced person would make such a comment.
Awe … take this doll and show everyone where the Patriots hurt you!! Sorry your team can’t hold the Patriots Jock!! Lol
You own that “doll” because the women there look like John Kerry in a dress. We get it, Archie.
Don’t you have a non-Boston based black athlete to call the N word, though? I don’t want to keep you from your appointed rounds.
Can’t wait to see the Patriots and Stealers Square off and watch Harrison knock the stuffing out of Pouncey and shut his big mouth.