The defensive problems that the New England Patriots have had during the regular season can be reduced with the acquisition of veteran lineman James Harrison, who was previously discharged by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The signing for a season will immediately contribute to the Patriots leadership and experience, which is why it is considered a positive factor in their acquisition of clear playoffs.
The Patriots to make room for Harrison decided to dismiss the lineman Trevor Reilly, while Harrison comes as a free agent after being discharged by the Steelers and not be claimed from the list of discarded.
While the Steelers dismissed Harrison, the team’s historic catches leader, to make room on the roster for Marcus Gilbert, who returned from a suspension.
The Patriots have had problems in the position of outside lineman / defensive end most of the campaign.
The current Super Bowl champions have Trey Flowers as a starter at one end of the defensive line, with rookie Deatrich Wise and Eric Lee behind him.
The team also uses linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Marquis Flowers and Reilly at the ends, depending on the package.
Harrison posted a photo on Instagram with legendary quarterback Tom Brady, who is 40 years old, in which he joked that he finally had a teammate older than him.
The Patriots fight with the Steelers the first position in the Playoffs in the American Conference (AFC), but both have assured rest in the first round with a week of the regular competition.
If they reach the AFC Final, Harrison will have a chance to face his now ex-partners.
Harrison, 39, has 80.5 sacks in the Steelers’ uniform, including at least five sacks in each of the last three seasons, despite being a part-time player.
He was also key in the last two Pittsburgh appearances in the final-phase competition.
However, the role of the defensive was decreasing as the Steelers made the transition to a more pass-oriented system for linemen Bud Dupree and rookie T.J. Watt.
Harrison participated in 40 plays in 14 games this season, compared to 587 of the 2016-17 games, and last March, the Steelers gave him a two-year contract as a demonstration that they were still relying on their services.
