Patriots News: Free agent James Harrison visiting team
New England Patriots News: Free agent James Harrison is visiting the team on Tuesday according to sources.
Recent New England Patriots news involves some potential roster decisions. The Patriots have been hit hard by the injury bug defensively. Their defensive line and linebackers have been decimated in recent weeks.
The injuries have not tripped them up too much, as they still hold their own destiny in the AFC for the No. 1 seed in the AFC and home-field advantage. However, adding some depth would make sense as the defense has shown some signs of slowing down in recent weeks after looking to have gotten things on track.
The Patriots have made a lot of roster moves in recent weeks. Veteran Kenny Britt was added to help out at wide receiver. Ricky Jean-Francois was brought back to help along the defensive line. Now, the Patriots could be adding more help along the defensive line.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, James Harrison was visiting the Patriots on Tuesday. Harrison became a free agent on Monday after he cleared waivers.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers released Harrison over the weekend to make room on the roster for Marcus Gilbert, who was returning from suspension.
Harrison is the all-time leader for sacks in Steelers history. When you look back on the history of the organization, that is an impressive feat to accomplish.
The Patriots have found a diamond in the rough in Eric Lee to help as a pass rusher on the edge. Atop their depth chart is Trey Flowers, and rookie Dietrich Wise Jr. has played well also. Harrison would provide the Patriots with some insurance there if injuries continue to pop up.
Harrison could also help out the Patriots at linebacker. Kyle Van Noy has been battling injuries in recent weeks, while Trevor Rielly and Marquise Flowers have helped on the edge as well. Harrison would give the Patriots a bonafide pass rusher to help in the postseason, a situation he has thrived in with the Steelers in recent seasons.
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There is a question about what Harrison has left to offer. He has played only 40 snaps this season after playing 587 last season. The Steelers defensive scheme changed some this season, but Harrison could also have very little left in the tank.