The Pittsburgh Steelers released outside linebacker James Harrison on Saturday, as was expected. Now that he's a free agent, one team that interests Harrison is the New England Patriots, according to The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe.
James Harrison rumors: Patriots interest free agent LB
Now that James Harrison is no longer a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, one team that interests him is the New England Patriots.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
More: 2013 NFL free agency
When Harrison was asked by ESPN about whether or not he would like to play for the Patriots, the linebacker’s response was “telling.”
"Of course it would be nice to play with Tom Brady," Harrison said. "I mean, who wouldn't want to?"
Harrison has been a linchpin in the Steelers’ 3-4 defense for years, and the five-time Pro Bowler could bring an added dimension to any defense.That said, the Patriots’ 4-3 defense may not be the best fit.
Harrison's tune has changed quite a bit on the Patriots. After New England was defeated by the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI, Harrison took to Twitter, saying "Told you, cheaters never win!" Seeing Harrison in a Patriots uniform would be somewhat ironic.
Harrison did say in his interview with ESPN that he would be interested in playing with any team.
Harrison is coming off a season in which he played in 13 games and racked up 70 tackles and six sacks. In his 10-year career with the Steelers, Harrison has made 617 tackles and 64.5 sacks as well as intercepted five passes. He has also been fined thousands of dollars for illegal hits as well as suspended for a few games.
Harrison has been labeled in the past as one of the NFL’s most violent players. Any team, including the Patriots, would likely be interested in bringing in an intimidating player with Harrison’s abilities to make plays. That is, as long as they’re willing to get penalized every now and again.
More in the NFL:
See More:
