James Harrison's Agent Says Player, Steelers Have Mutual Interest in Return

James Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, said Harrison and the Pittsburgh Steelers both prefer a reunion in 2017, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday. 

Harrison finished the 2016 season with 53 tackles and led the team in sacks (five).

While Harrison turns 39 in May, bringing him back would make sense for Pittsburgh.

Pro Football Focus graded him as the Steelers' best edge defender and the 11th-best edge defender in the league (86.7). Harrison continues to defy Father Time, in no small part to his intense dedication to stay in shape. He routinely posts videos from his workouts on Instagram:

Re-signing Harrison would give Pittsburgh continued stability at outside linebacker.

Jarvis Jones is a free agent, and Bob Labriola of the Steelers' official site speculated Jones will choose to move on after four mostly underwhelming years with the team. Harrison's return would soften the blow of losing the 2013 first-round pick.

Having Harrison will also be nice insurance should Bud Dupree fail to take a big step forward in 2017. It would buy the team more time to determine whether the 2015 first-rounder can be a long-term option for the defense. 

Harrison and the Steelers have had a fruitful partnership for 13 years. Signing him to a one- or two-year contract would work to the benefit of all parties involved.