James Harrison signed a two-year extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers this past March, but in December he’s wishing he had a crystal ball back then. Harrison, now 39 years of age, has missed six games on the inactive list and has not played in two others, even though he suited up.
That’s not sitting well with the veteran, who told Michele Tafoya of NBC Sports he would have not signed with the Steelers if he knew he wasn’t going to play. When she asked him if he would have signed somewhere else instead, Harrison said, “Oh, yeah. Who wants to NOT play?”
We totally get that sentiment. Yet it’s worth pointing out the Steelers are doing a fantastic job for the most part on defense without Harrison on the field. They rank No. 4 in total defense and No. 5 in scoring defense, thanks in large part to the emergence of rookie T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree and Vince Williams, not to mention the stellar play up front by Cam Heyward.
It sure sounds like Harrison would love to keep playing into his 40s. However, at this point it’s worth wondering if his time is up as a difference-maker in the NFL.