Patriots signs veteran linebacker Steelers James Harrison

The Pittsburgh Steelers made surprising move recently parting ways with their all-time sacks leader in linebacker James Harrison. Harrison saw his role with the Steelers greatly diminished with the emergence of rookie T.J. Watt and was deemed not needed therefore given his release by the team.

It didn’t take long for Harrison to land with a new team as the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots promptly decided to sign him after the veteran linebacker cleared waivers, according to ESPN.

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

Harrison hilariously took to Instagram shortly after agreeing to a deal with the Patriots to let people know he’s no longer the oldest player on the NFL team he’s playing on. Harrison posted a picture of him and superstar Tom Brady in the Patriots locker room.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdLjIUrgQd7/

With Harrison in the fold, the Patriots add another experienced veteran to help bolster their defense as the team attempts to make a run at a sixth Super Bowl title in the Brady-Bill Belichick era in New England.

It remains to be seen whether Harrison will play a significant role with his new team, but if the Patriots are good at anything, it’s rejuvenating the careers of veteran players that other team may think are done.

In Week 17, the Patriots will face the division rival New York Jets in the regular-season finale. If New England comes away with a win against New York, the team will have secured home-field advantage throughout the NFL playoffs to go along with the first-round bye.