Report: Patriots, James Harrison Discussing Possible Return In 2018
James Harrison and the Patriots are reportedly keeping in contact on a possible return for the 2018 season.
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 21: James Harrison #92 of the New England Patriots reacts after the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Patriots and free-agent linebacker James Harrison "have been in contact" over a possible return for the 2018 season, according to a report by Kevin Duffy of MassLive.
Harrison turns 40 years old on May 4. He joined the Patriots late in the regular season after being released by the Steelers. He made his presence felt in his one regular-season appearance for the Patriots, making three tackles and closing the game out with two sacks in a 26-6 win over the Jets.
The veteran ended up playing 90.7 percent of defensive snaps against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII. He was one of the only bright spots on a bad night for the group, getting a pair of hits on Eagles QB Nick Foles.
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)James Harrison hits Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Harrison has shown that he can still flash some effectiveness on the edge in his brief time with the Pats. Whether or not the Patriots dip into free agency to make a marked upgrade at linebacker or along the defensive line, it appears that Harrison remains an option for them.
-- By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
