Veteran linebacker James Harrison finally got his wish when he was signed by the New England Patriots, days after he was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. On his Instagram account, Harrison confirmed the signing by posting a photo with Tom Brady with the caption: “Finally... A teammate that’s older than me!” Brady is 40 years old while Harrison is younger by just one year.
Field Yates of ESPN first reported the signing, before Mike Garafolo of NFL Network added more details. According to Garafolo, the Patriots did not put a waiver claim on Harrison as they wanted to take a look at the veteran linebacker first before making their next move.
Apparently, the Patriots liked what they saw as they added the veteran pass-rusher to their lineup. However, details of the deal are still unknown.
Harrison played just 40 snaps this season
Harrison, a five-time Pro Bowler, signed a two-year deal with the Steelers before the 2017 season, but he played just 40 snaps in five games, tallying just one sack and three tackles. Harrison’s limited playing time was a given since the Steelers preferred to use younger pass rushers in T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree. The Steelers parted ways with Harrison to make room for tackle Marcus Gilbert. While Harrison is already far from his prime, the Patriots could use him off the edge with the loss of Dont'a Hightower and Shea McClellin, who are both done for the season.
Harrison will also serve as insurance for the Patriots with Kyle Van Noy’s health status still in doubt.
The Steelers signed Harrison as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2002 but he emerged as an important piece to the team’s success, starting 107 of 177 regular-season games. He played 13 of his 14 NFL seasons with the Steelers and one with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Harrison finished his Steelers stint as the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks with 80.5, eighth among active players. In his career, Harrison has 82.5 sacks, eight interceptions, and 570 tackles, and started 117 of 192 games in his NFL career.
Brady praises Jimmy Garoppolo
During an interview on WEEI's "Kirk & Callahan Show," Brady congratulated former backup Jimmy Garoppolo after he led the San Francisco 49ers to a 4-0 record during his stint as a starter.
“He's done a great job. You go in there and get the opportunity to play and win games, that is what we are all here for,” said Brady, adding that he’s really happy for Garoppolo in his current situation with the 49ers. The Patriots shipped Garoppolo to the 49ers before the trade deadline for a 2018 second-round draft pick. Since he was drafted 62nd overall in 2014, Garoppolo served as Brady’s backup for four seasons.
