Patriots Sign Ex-Steeler James Harrison

FOXBOROUGH, MA — As the saying goes, if you can't beat them, join them. That appears to be the case for former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison.

The 39-year-old all but confirmed the signing, posting a photo with Tom Brady on Instagram with the caption, "Finally... A teammate that’s older than me!" Field Yates of ESPN was the first to report the signing, with the team confirming the addition Tuesday night. Harrison was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 23 after playing only five games this season.

Harrison has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL over the last 15 years. While the 39-year-old is not the player he once was, the signing would add some much-needed depth to the position. The team has been thin at outside linebacker following the retirement of Rob Ninkovich.

Harrison has spent the majority of his career in Pittsburgh, signing with the team in 2002 as a practice squad member. He spent 2003 as a member of the Baltimore Raven's practice squad and with the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe before returning to the Steel City in 2004.

In his return, Harrison became one of the most impactful defensive players. He has been named to the Pro Bowl five times, the All-Pro team twice, and second All-Pro team twice. In 2008, he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2013 season and retired the following year before returning to play with the Steelers in late September 2014.

Reports of Harrison coming to New England started Tuesday morning when Steve Burton of WBZ reported that Harrison was sighted at Logan Airport.

Image Credit: AP Photo/Keith Srakocic