James Harrison Signs 1 Year Deal With Patriots

[BigKen]

The New England Patriots signed former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison to a one-year deal Tuesday.

The Patriots released linebacker Trevor Reilly to create a roster spot for Harrison.

Harrison, 39, visited the Patriots on Tuesday after clearing waivers on Monday to become a free agent.

He posted a photo of himself with 40-year-old quarterback Tom Brady from the Patriots locker room on his Instagram account, joking that he finally has a teammate who is older than him.

Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, told ESPN's Josina Anderson that coach Bill Belichick's reputation among players and the organization's winning tradition factored into Harrison's signing with New England. Parise said Harrison had interest from other teams.

The Patriots have been thin at defensive end and outside linebacker for most of the season. They have Trey Flowers atop the depth chart at their end-of-the-line position, with rookie Deatrich Wise and Eric Lee behind him. The team also uses linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Trevor Reilly and Marquis Flowers at the end of the line, depending on the package.

The Patriots and Steelers are vying for home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs and are locked in to the top two spots in the conference. Harrison would get a chance to play against his former team if both teams advance to the AFC Championship Game for a second straight season.

The Steelers released Harrison, the franchise's all-time sacks leader, on Saturday to make room for right tackle Marcus Gilbert, who returned from suspension.

Harrison, 39, has 80.5 sacks in a Pittsburgh uniform, including at least five sacks in each of the past three regular seasons despite playing a part-time role. Harrison also came up big in the Steelers' past two playoff runs with multiple sacks.

But his role decreased as the Steelers transitioned to more pass-coverage work for outside linebackers Bud Dupree and rookie T.J. Watt. Harrison has played 40 snaps through 14 games this season, compared to 587 last year. He has one sack this season.

 

[nefansince75]

Who's he kidding, he signed with the Pats to screw Pittsburg the most.

 

[sharkymcwrath]

I'd like be excited about this but I just don't know. Hopefully it works out.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

Vet with some toughness and balls. Going to help these young guys prepare for the playoffs and add some much needed depth at a position of need. Might only get a few snaps a game, but he will show up when needed.

 

[Dolemite censored]

I called this earlier:

Patriots will probably pick him up, so that Belichick can pick up the Steelers' defenses.

Not a Steelers fan by any stretch of the imagination, but this was not the way to end Harrison's career.
Steelers should not have tried to drop Harrison into coverage. He stops the run and rushes the passer.
Play to his strengths, not try to use him as something he never was.

 

[TP76]

Belichick doesn't need Harrison for their defense - Brady knows what they're in 90%+ of the time.

He's waging a psyops campaign against the Steelers. The media is already peppering the Pitt players with questions about him, and judging by the responses, they're not disappointing... and it will only get worse "IF" they meet in the AFCCG

Ready-made distraction - and in their heads.

 

[BigKen]

If the Pats and Steelers do meet in the AFCGC, who do you think will be more nervous the first time Ben and James look at each other across the line of scrimmage?? Where do think Ben will look first on his first drop back to pass? For Harrison or AB?

The Steelers better bring at least 2 rolls of Charmin.

 

[BigKen]

For those of youwho started New Years celebration early and didn't watch the Jets/Pats game........James Harrison played more snaps yesterday than he did all year with the Steelers. He had 5 solo tackles and 2 sacks.

Welcome aboard James.......

 

[NEhomer]

What if he tips this defense toward an upward swing? Fingers crossed.

 

[PatsFanInColtsCountry]

...and 2 sacks.

Welcome aboard James.......

One was a strip sack, unfortunately the Jets recovered.

Impact from day 1.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

One was a strip sack, unfortunately the Jets recovered.

Impact from day 1.

It was against the hapless Jets
~The Haters~

 

[Southieinnc]

What if he tips this defense toward an upward swing? Fingers crossed.

If all he does is make2 big plays in each playoff game (3 in the AFCCG), he'll be a great addition.
Adding him to a team that led the League in defense - points in the last 12 games - priceless!!!!!

 

[NEhomer]

I hope the combination of pissed off and opportunity gives him superpowers.

 

[CreepCreep2014]

Sure it was against the Jets, but he did what NE needed!! A guy who can get to the QB when the game is winding down and make a play. I watched him all game and he was getting a damn good bull rush on every play. He was close to the QB all day. He is so fucking strong, we don't need him pulling speed moves to get to the QB. He also did what no other DE could do, SET THE EDGE!!!!!!! He did it all game, where Lee kept getting caught inside. Good start and should help.