The Pittsburgh Steelers made a roster move no one saw coming on Saturday.
It wasn’t a very merry Christmas for Pittsburgh Steelers legend James Harrison. Following the return of tackle, Marcus Gilbert, the team needed to make a roster opening by Week 16. So, Pittsburgh did something no one saw coming and released their all-time sack leader on Saturday.
Although Harrison’s role with the team in 2017 was small, he remained a fan favorite. Between his Instagram posts, Deebo merchandise, and insane stardom from lifting, Harrison has become one of the team’s most desirable players in recent memory.
Gilbert will return from a 4-game PED suspension he chose not appeal. Now, the Steelers offensive line is fully intact, but the defense will miss a major veteran presence on the defensive side of the ball.
We have activated OT Marcus Gilbert from the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner List to our active roster, and released LB James Harrison. https://t.co/yF8wLQD9Ac
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 23, 2017
Many people saw this move coming earlier in the offseason after the team drafted T.J. Watt in the first-round of the NFL Draft. But after no cuts were made in the summer, it seemed that Harrison’s position was safe in what could have been his final season.
The Steelers could be working on something to get Harrison back, but as of right now, he’s free to be claimed off waivers. With plenty of teams hunting for the playoffs, and Harrison still being a valuable asset to any team, No. 92 could end up anywhere before the postseason begins.
So far, fan reaction has been ugly and it’s clear the Steelers fans aren’t happy with the move. Pittsburgh is one of the most liked teams in the league this season. With additions like JuJu Smith-Schuster and T.J. Watt, this team has become enjoyable to watch on and off the field.
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Now, they’ll be one piece to the puzzle short as they try to continue their fun-loving personality heading into the playoffs.