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The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base was stunned Saturday when the team released James Harrison to make room for Marcus Gilbert on the team’s 53-man roster. While there is still a chance Harrison is re-signed by the Steelers on Monday after their game vs. the Texans, the franchise sack leader is leaving the door open to play anywhere in 2017.
Caught up with Harrison’s agent, Bill Parise, who said this was amicable, understood roster dynamics, was well-known Harrison wanted to be more involved in D and wants to continue playing. “We’ll see what Santa brings us,” Parise said
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 23, 2017
Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Harrison’s agent, Bill Parise, said he understood the decision, but it certainly doesn’t mean he has accepted his fate as an aging football player. Harrison feels he can still provide something to an NFL roster, whether that is with Pittsburgh, or somewhere else.
While Parise said the decision was ‘amicable’, he didn’t say Harrison knew this was coming, or there was a plan in place for him to return following Week 16.
This is just the latest of a very strange season for Harrison, one where the Steelers spoke of a “plan” for No. 92, and how Harrison would get a chance to prove himself; however, Harrison has been inactive, or watching, more than he has been harassing quarterbacks this season.
An NFL roster can be a very complicated endeavor, and if a team wants to add Harrison for the final two weeks of the regular season, and beyond, he is officially a free agent.
This story is far from over, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on this story, and others surrounding the black-and-gold.