NFL Free Agency Rumors: James Harrison Open to Playing for New England Patriots
By Josh Hill
The Pittsburgh Steelers finally parted ways with linebacker James Harrison after days of teetering on the brink of doing so. But now that his Steelers career is over, the next question is where will Harrison land, and the linebacker is already looking forward to the future and is open to playing for the new England Patriots.
“Of course it would be nice to play with Tom Brady,” Harrison said, via the Boston Herald. “I mean, who wouldn’t want to?”
Harrison has made a career of cracking skulls for the Steelers, and it’s not hard to believe that Bill Belichick would be interested in adding Harrison to his arsenal. There is a question about whether or not Harrison, who played outside linebacker in the Steelers 3-4 set, can fit in with the Patriots four-man front approach.
This would mean Harrison would likely be utilized as an edge-rusher with the Patriots, something that might end up being a great move for both Harrison and the Patriots.
"[The Patriots] used both Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich in stand-up roles in 2012, so there’s no doubt Bill Belichick could use Harrison in an edge-rushing capacity if the interest happens to be mutual.– Boston Herald"
Harrison is turning 35 this May, so his age is something that will likely scare off teams looking to go younger on defense. But the Patriots are more concerned with talent and experience than they are with age, which means if Harrison is interested in the Patriots the feeling may soon become mutual.