The Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran linebacker James Harrison have agreed to a new contract.
James Harrison hit open free agency this offseason, and there were rumblings that he could choose to leave the Pittsburgh Steelers to sign with the Tennessee Titans. That didn’t end up happening, and Pro Football Talk reported that Harrison has agreed to a new deal with the Steelers.
Steelers announce LB James Harrison has been re-signed.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 22, 2015
At 36 years old, Harrison was still surprisingly sought after in free agency. Just a couple of seasons ago it appeared that he was washed up and that his career was coming to a close. Returning to the Steelers last season seemed to re-energize Harrison’s career, and it has allowed him to play at least two more seasons.
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During the 2014 season with the Steelers, Harrison ended up recording 45 tackles and 5.5 sacks in the 11 games that he ended up playing.
There is no question that he is still capable of making an impact on the game when he’s on the field, and he is a major fan favorite in Pittsburgh. It isn’t a surprise that he ended up re-signing with the Steelers. He doesn’t have too much time left in his NFL career, but he certainly has two more good years left in his career, apparently.
Harrison has played all but one of his 11-year NFL career with the Steelers. In those 11 years, he has been a very dominant defensive presence. He has recorded 692 total tackles, 71.5 sacks, 29 forced fumbles, and six interceptions.
Those numbers show just how dominant Harrison has been throughout his career, and how much he has meant to the Steelers’ franchise.
That being said, he has also developed a reputation of being one of the dirtiest players in the NFL. He has given out quite a few big hits that have left players with concussions, and has seemed to target opponents helmets at times. Harrison has been fined quite a bit of money throughout his career, but he hasn’t given up his style of football.
Expect to see him play a fairly key role for the Steelers’ defense in the 2015 season. They are going to ask him to be a pass rusher and a leader on their defense. Pittsburgh ended up ranking sixth against the run and 27th against the pass defensively last season.
It will be very interesting to see what he has left in the tank this coming season. No matter what ends up happening, it is good to see him return to the Steelers rather than play with another team again.
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