James Harrison Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation on Steelers and More

Updates from Tuesday, Sept. 23

James Harrison posted a photo to Instagram of him signing his new contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the caption, "Done deal!":

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James Harrison may not be retired after all.

The five-time Pro Bowl linebacker, who announced his retirement in August after one season with the Cincinnati Bengals, is reportedly drawing interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team he spent the first 10 seasons of his career playing for (2002, 2004-2012). NFL.com's Ian Rapoport has the rumor:

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, a deal may come as soon as Tuesday:

We're still in rumor mode, but at the very least, we know Harrison has the support of two very important individuals. He posted the following video on Monday with the caption, "I'll give it one more year!":

Although it's a little surprising to see the 36-year-old potentially make a comeback so soon after hanging up his shoulder pads, this move makes sense. The Steelers are in need of depth at the linebacker position, and there aren't many players head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau know better.

ESPN's Field Yates noted another relationship between Harrison and the coaching staff:

Rookie inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (sprained MCL) will miss some time, while outside linebacker Jarvis Jones (wrist surgery) will reportedly be sidelined indefinitely, per Schefter, leaving Vince Williams and Arthur Moats to step into the mix.

Harrison recorded just two sacks in 15 games with the Bengals last season. He won't likely surpass Moats—who recorded a sack in Jones' stead Sunday night—as the starter opposite Jason Worilds, but he knows LeBeau's system, adds some necessary depth in the midst of a slew of injuries and will provide a veteran presence in the locker room.

Depending on his current shape (and if the reported details of this deal are true), the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year will get a chance to make his return to Heinz Field when the Steelers host Tampa Bay this Sunday.