Damon Harrison - Pro Football Rumors

Snacks Harrison Announces Retirement

November 13th, 2021 at 3:18pm CST by Sam Robinson

After nine NFL seasons, Snacks intends to walk away from the game. Damon Harrison announced his retirement on Saturday (via Twitter).

Some interest emerged for the veteran nose tackle in the spring, but Harrison, 32, did not catch on anywhere this year. He will step away after 124 games and 111 starts as a pro.

Although Harrison contemplated retirement at the end of the 2019 season, he returned for one more and played with the Seahawks and Packers last season. Snacks’ seven games in Seattle and Green Bay will be closer to the footnote section of his career, one that included multiple seasons with the Jets, Giants and Lions.

Harrison latched on with the Jets as a UDFA in 2012 out of NAIA William Penn (Iowa) and became a starter during his second season. Snacks’ high-end Jets production, alongside Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson, led to the Giants giving him a five-year, $46.25MM deal in the 2016 offseason — when Big Blue loaded up with vets on defense.

Olivier Vernon and Janoris Jenkins joined Snacks by signing with the Giants that offseason, and that trio played a key part in the Giants advancing to the 2016 playoffs. While Harrison did not receive a Pro Bowl invite during his career, he earned first-team All-Pro recognition for his work that season.

A struggling Giants team traded Harrison to the Lions ahead of the 2018 deadline, when they also unloaded Eli Apple, and Snacks played in Detroit through the end of the 2019 campaign. Harrison finished his career with 494 tackles and 37 tackles for loss.

Latest On FA DT Snacks Harrison

April 8th, 2021 at 5:48pm CST by Ben Levine

Damon Harrison remains a free agent, but it doesn’t sound like he’s in any rush to sign anywhere. Speaking to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the veteran defensive tackle revealed that while he’s heard from several teams, he’s waiting for the perfect fit.

“I’m a free agent waiting on the right opportunity,” Harrison said (Twitter link). “We have some interest on teams and are having some conversations. Nothing real has materialized yet and I’m not in a rush to make a decision.”

After starting at least 15 games per season between 2013 and 2019, Snacks was limited to no starts in only seven games this past year. He waited until October to join the Seahawks practice squad, and he ultimately got into six games with the team, collecting nine tackles and one forced fumble.

After being a healthy scratch in Week 16, he asked for and was granted his release. While the expectation was that the veteran would hit free agency, he was picked up on waivers by the Packers. He saw time in Green Bay’s regular season finale and two playoff games, appearing in 31 defensive snaps.

The nine-year veteran is far removed from a 2016 campaign where he compiled 86 tackles en route to a first-team All-Pro nod, although he did have 3.5 sacks and nine QB hits as recently as 2018. Despite his underwhelming production this past season, it isn’t a surprise that the 32-year-old has been generating interest as a free agent. When he was waived by the Seahawks last season, the Buccaneers, Dolphins and Ravens had expressed interest before he ultimately landed in Green Bay.

Packers Claim Snacks Harrison Off Waivers

December 30th, 2020 at 4:08pm CST by Sam Robinson

Damon Harrison will jump from one NFC playoff team to another. The Packers made a successful claim for the recently waived defensive tackle, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Snacks expressed a desire to leave Seattle, after the Seahawks made him a healthy scratch Sunday. But he will still factor into the NFC playoff bracket and may well have additional time to acclimate in Green Bay, with the Packers having the inside track on the conference’s bye.

Several teams previously expressed interest in poaching the 350-pound defensive tackle off the Seahawks’ practice squad. The Packers joined the Buccaneers, Dolphins and Ravens in eyeing the veteran run stopper. They will be Harrison’s fifth NFL team. The veteran nose tackle has played with the Jets, Giants, Lions and Seahawks in nine NFL seasons.

Snacks did not sound too interested in being claimed, but it does appear the Packers were a preferred destination (Twitter links). He will be called upon to help the Packers attempt to reach their first Super Bowl in 10 years.

Harrison, 32, played in six Seahawks games, rising to their active roster after a lengthy acclimation stay on their practice squad. In typical Snacks fashion, he performed as a solid run-stuffer with less-than-solid showings on passing plays. Pro Football Focus gave him an overall score of 68.1 — his 81.7 ground grade was weighed down by his 47.9 passing mark.

The former UDFA was a first-team All-Pro with the Giants in 2016. He made the Jets-to-Giants switch that year, but the Giants traded him to Detroit in 2018. He has made 111 starts in his career, though none came this season. Harrison made a career-high nine tackles for loss with the Giants and Lions during the ’18 season.

While the Packers have one of the league’s top interior defenders on their roster in Kenny Clark, they have multiple D-linemen — Montravius Adams and Billy Winn — on IR. The Packers have also experienced issues stopping the run this season. Despite preventing a Derrick Henry snow rampage, they rank 14th against the run. Dalvin Cook and Ronald Jones enjoyed big days against Green Bay earlier this season, but the team stands to have a proven ground-game deterrent in the mix come playoff time.

Seahawks To Release Damon Harrison

December 28th, 2020 at 11:31am CST by Zachary Links

Seahawks defensive tackle Damon Harrison asked for his release, and the team will oblige his request, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter). For Snacks, the final straw was his healthy scratch for Sunday’s game against the Rams.

“We’re going to talk [on Monday],” Carroll said after the game. “I just know that he was disappointed that he wasn’t active for this game. That’s what we’re talking about.”

Even if that conversation happens, it probably won’t change much. Harrison, a first-team All-Pro in 2016, was leapfrogged by the return of Bryan Mone, and that left him feeling slighted.

“Didn’t want to [leave Seattle] but it’s time,” Harrison tweeted. “I came here to help and I’ve done that and now it’s time to move on. I came back this year to play and that’s all I want. Team is back healthy and playing really well..it’s my time to head out. Still all love and respect for the ‘Hawks!”

In typical Harrison fashion, he performed as a solid run-stuffer with less-than-solid showings on passing plays. Pro Football Focus gave him an overall score of 68.1 — his 81.7 ground grade was weighed down by his 47.9 passing mark. Mone, meanwhile, has been more balanced with 61.6 and 63.1 scores.

Harrison leaves Seattle with nine tackles and a forced fumble in six games. Meanwhile, the Seahawks — sans Snacks — will roll into the playoffs as the NFC West champs.

Extra Points: Peko, Snacks, McKinley, Titans

November 23rd, 2020 at 7:53pm CST by Ben Levine

The Cardinals officially signed Domata Peko today, and it sounds like head coach Kliff Kingsbury is excited to utilize the 15-year veteran.

“We’re excited about the signing,” said Kingsbury (via the team’s website). “VJ has some history there. I only just met him (Monday) but I have heard great things about his attitude, his energy. He’s a guy who has played at a high level in this league for a long time. We’ll see how he is this week and what he can handle, and we’re hopeful he can contribute at some point moving forward.”

The Cardinals will were to turn to the soon-to-be 36-year-old following a number of injuries on their defensive line; Corey Peters, Jordan Phillips, Zach Allen, Leki Fotu, and Rashard Lawrence are all sitting on injured reserve. Peko looked like he had something left in the tank in 2019, as he compiled 14 tackles in seven games with the Ravens.

As NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport passes along (via Twitter), Peko will earn $600K guaranteed for the regular season and has a chance to earn up to an additional $300K during the postseason.

More notes from around the NFL…

Prior to being signed to the Seahawks active roster, it sounds like defensive tackle Damon Harrison was generating some interest from around the league. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that both the Packers and Ravens tried to sign “Snacks.” Since Seattle could no longer elevate the veteran, they decided to protect him and offered a spot on their active roster. Harrison, a former All-Pro nose tackle, hooked on with Seattle’s practice squad in October. After taking some time to get back into playing shape, Snacks is ready to be a contributor on clear running downs.
The Raiders claimed defensive end Takkarist McKinley off waivers today, but they weren’t the only team to place a claim on the embattled lineman. Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the Browns also made a claim on McKinley. Of course, considering the 25-year-old has failed a pair of physicals and been waived twice over the past few weeks, there’s a chance Cleveland could get another shot.
The Titans recently auditioned kicker Sam Sloman, per the league’s transaction wire. The rookie seventh-rounder began the season as the Rams starting kicker, connecting on eight of his 11 field goal attempts and 18 of his 21 extra point tries. However, the organization ultimately replaced him with veteran Kai Forbath, leading to the rookie’s release.

Seahawks Place Greg Olsen On IR, Promote Snacks Harrison

November 23rd, 2020 at 3:27pm CST by Zachary Links

The Seahawks have formally placed tight end Greg Olsen on injured reserve. To fill his spot on the active roster, they’ve promoted defensive tackle Damon Harrison. In addition, running back Bo Scarbrough has also been parked on IR.

Olsen was diagnosed with plantar fascia issue last week, an injury that could prevent him from returning this season. For his part, Olsen is hoping to recover quickly and return in the playoffs, though that would probably require the Seahawks to reach the NFC title game or the Super Bowl. With that in mind, it’s possible that the 35-year-old has played his final down in the NFL. Olsen has flirted with retirement for the last few years and he has a gig waiting for him at FOX Sports whenever he decides to hang ’em up.

Harrison, a former All-Pro nose tackle, hooked on with Seattle’s practice squad in October. After taking some time to get back into playing shape, Snacks is ready to be a contributor on clear running downs. In his peak years with the Jets, Giants, and Lions, Harrison was one of the game’s premiere run stuffers. He’s also been able to get after the quarterback when needed, as shown by his eleven career sacks.

Seahawks To Place Quinton Dunbar On IR

November 19th, 2020 at 3:09pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Seahawks will go a second straight game without one of their cornerback starters Thursday night, and Quinton Dunbar‘s injury-related absence will be extended to at least four weeks.

Dunbar will go on Seattle’s IR list, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter). The offseason trade acquisition is battling a knee injury — one that shelved him for the Seahawks’ Week 10 loss to the Rams.

Seattle will promote Snacks Harrison and running back Bo Scarbrough from its practice squad. Chris Carson is not expected to play against the Cardinals tonight, and Scarbrough stands to provide depth for a backfield that has not been at full strength in weeks. Technically, Seattle’s running back stable has been incomplete all season due to Rashaad Penny‘s absence.

Dunbar has started all six games he’s played with his new team. The Seahawks sent Washington a fifth-round pick for the sixth-year veteran. Pro Football Focus has not viewed the 2019 standout’s play as particularly strong this season, ranking him 106th among full-time corners. Seattle’s defense enters Week 11 last in yards allowed; its pass defense has been the primary culprit.

The 28-year-old defender was in talks with the Bruce Allen-led Washington front office about an extension, but the Ron Rivera regime traded him to Seattle. His current deal expires at season’s end. Dunbar broke through as a full-time starter last season, intercepting four passes and grading as one of the NFL’s top defenders (per PFF), but could use a strong stretch run to impact potential Seahawks extension talks or a 2021 free agency bid.

This will be Harrison’s second time in a Seahawks game uniform. The team waited several weeks before activating the former All-Pro nose tackle, and Harrison played 19 defensive snaps against the Rams. He should be ticketed for another part-time role tonight.

Seahawks Promote Snacks Harrison

November 14th, 2020 at 4:58pm CST by Sam Robinson

Damon Harrison‘s time on Seattle’s practice squad may be over for good. The Seahawks are promoting the veteran defensive tackle to their active roster.

The Seahawks signed Snacks last month and stashed him on their taxi squad for five weeks in order for the free agent to work his way into full-on game shape. Pete Carroll has expressed optimism on Harrison recently and has decided to pull the trigger on activating him.

This will mark the beginning of Snacks’ ninth NFL season. A 2016 All-Pro with the Giants, Harrison started 15 games with the Lions last season but was not especially happy in Detroit, having considered retirement. He appears to be more content in Seattle, having turned down chances at a 53-man roster spot with the Buccaneers and Dolphins this season.

While the Seahawks’ defense will need more than Harrison to bounce back from a historically dreadful start, the unit did sack Josh Allen seven times in last week’s loss in Buffalo. The Seahawks rank 29th in DVOA against the pass but are interestingly ninth in run defense. Snacks should help on that front.

Seattle also placed defensive tackle Bryan Mone on IR, activated cornerback Neiko Thorpe from IR and promoted running back Alex Collins. The latter’s elevation will help the team with backfield depth; Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde remain sidelined with injuries.

Extra Points: Jets, Snacks, Anderson

October 20th, 2020 at 8:48pm CST by Ben Levine

Linebacker Blair Brown had domestic battery charges dropped in July and has since been informed that he’ll face no discipline from the NFL, reports Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (via Twitter). The 26-year-old was cut by the Jaguars following his arrest in May of 2019.

The Ohio University product was selected in the fifth round of the 2017 draft by Jacksonville. He proceeded to appear in 28 games through two seasons with the team, compiling 17 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and one fumble recovered. He also appeared in three postseason games during the Jaguars run in 2017, collecting six tackles.

Last week, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle had reported that the linebacker worked out for the Texans. Brown ultimately left Houston without a contract.

Let’s check out some more notes from around the NFL…

Adam Gase may still be employed, but ESPN’s Rich Cimini is skeptical that the Jets head coach will keep his job for the entire season. The reporter describes the head coach’s firing as “inevitable,” and he writes that it wouldn’t be a surprise if CEO Christopher Johnson “pulls the plug now.” Following their shutout loss to the Dolphins this past weekend, the Jets have dropped to 7-15 during Gase’s tenure with the organization.
The Buccaneers weren’t the only team to express interest in Snacks. Pelissero tweets that the Dolphins recently made a run at defensive tackle Damon Harrison. However, just like he did with Tampa Bay, the veteran rejected Miami in order to stick with Seattle’s practice squad. Fortunately, it sounds like his opportunity with the Seahawks is coming, as the reporter adds that Harrison is “ramping up towards joining Seattle’s active roster.” Snacks, 31, has operated as a nose tackle starter since his second season (2013), playing that role for the Jets, Giants and Lions.
Former NFL running back C.J. Anderson is currently serving as a volunteer offensive coach at Cal, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The 31-year-old was a standout during his time with the Golden Bears, and despite going undrafted in 2013, Anderson managed to put together a seven-year NFL career. Following a 2019 campaign that saw him appear in a pair of games for the Lions, Anderson announced his retirement back in September.

Bucs Contacted Snacks After Vea Injury

October 10th, 2020 at 2:18pm CST by Sam Robinson

Damon Harrison spent the offseason waiting for an opportunity to continue his career, and the Seahawks provided one by opening up a practice squad slot for him. That could turn into a promotion to Seattle’s active roster soon, but another team inquired about a 53-man spot this week.

The Buccaneers contacted Harrison about poaching him from the Seahawks’ practice squad this week, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com report (video link). However, Harrison declined the opportunity and will remain with the Seahawks.

Tampa Bay lost emerging standout Vita Vea during its Week 5 loss to Chicago on Thursday, but the Bucs may have to look in-house to replace their starting nose tackle. Were the Bucs to have officially offered a 53-man roster spot to Harrison, the Seahawks would have needed to promote him to their active roster to prevent such a move. The team has yet to do so but still has time to promote its recent acquisition ahead of their Sunday night game against the Vikings.

Snacks, 31, has operated as a nose tackle starter since his second season (2013). He has played that role for the Jets, Giants and Lions. The veteran will almost certainly be called upon to suit up for the Seahawks soon.