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Patriots Rumors: Reasonable chance James Harrison returns

By Kenneth Teape

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 31: James Harrison #92 of the New England Patriots exits the field after the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 31: James Harrison #92 of the New England Patriots exits the field after the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Recent New England Patriots rumors involve linebacker James Harrison, who is thought to have a reasonable chance at returning to New England.

With the NFL offseason right around the corner, New England Patriots rumors are going to begin picking up. We have already seen them as a potential landing spot for Aqib Talib if the Denver Broncos have to release him. There have been discussions about Dion Lewis as well.

The most recent Patriots rumors involve linebacker James Harrison.

Harrison signed with the Patriots prior to the final game of the regular season. The Pittsburgh Steelers released their all-time sacks leader after being a non-factor throughout the season. It was fair to question if the release was performance-based. Harrison quickly put that to bed.

While he didn’t see the field much with the Steelers, Harrison quickly moved into an every-down role with the Patriots. New England used him as more than just a situational pass rusher, and he did well.

At 39-years old, the questions about what Harrison had left in the tank were warranted. He showed that he has something left to offer, and now attention will turn towards the 2018 season. Harrison has said he wants to play at least one more season, and possibly two, but where would that be? We have our first insight into a possible answer.

According to Christopher Price of the Boston Sports Journal, via Pro Football Talk, there is a reasonable chance that Harrison returns to the Patriots. This should come as no surprise.

Harrison was provided a real chance at playing time with the Patriots. They know that he has something left to offer, and will have a game plan set for him. If he goes to another team he could lose out in a numbers game much like he did with the Steelers.

While the Patriots could be looking to make some changes at linebacker, Harrison would be a good player to keep. He offers more than someone such as veteran David Harris, who did not pan out for the Patriots this past season. The Patriots pass rush was lacking at times during the 2017 season, and you know Harrison can bring it as a pass rusher.

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Seeing the role that the Patriots have Harrison after joining 16 weeks into the season, there is no reason to believe they won’t have a role for him next season. With a full offseason to acclimate himself to the Patriots, he could produce even more being comfortable with the game plan.

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