92 James Harrison LB

Harrison announced Monday on Instagram.

Harrison requested his release from the Steelers in December and subsequently signed with New England, where he recorded eight tackles in three playoff games. A recent report suggested he would continue his career, but the 39-year-old linebacker apparently hasn't received any offers to his liking. Harrison did retire once before back in 2014, only to change his mind after the first few weeks of the season. A late-blooming undrafted free agent, Harrison has piled up 793 tackles, 84.5 sacks and 34 forced fumbles in 192 regular-season games, displaying rare longevity for a pass rusher. He played with the Bengals in 2013 and the Patriots at the end of last season, but otherwise spent his career in a Steelers uniform.

Harrison hopes to continue his playing career in 2018, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports.

Prior to finishing the 2017 season with the Patriots, Harrison requested his release from the Steelers after the team lessened his role in favor of first-round rookie T.J. Watt. This time around, the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2008) doesn't intend to sign with any team until after the upcoming draft. Harrison's goal is to find a landing spot that will afford him regular playing time and there reportedly have been a number of suitors who've reached out to him this offseason.

The Patriots signed Harrison to a contract Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

The 39-year-old Harrison was released by the Steelers three days earlier after seeing limited use most of the season behind first-round pick T.J. Watt, who claimed a starting role at outside linebacker out of training camp. The owner of 82.5 career sacks, Harrison seems unlikely to be used as anything more than a situational pass rusher in New England, but his addition at least gives the Patriots some extra coverage on the edge with Kyle Van Noy (calf) having missed the team's last three games.

The Steelers opted to release Harrison on Saturday.

Harrison, the Steelers' all-time sack leader, has been with the team since they signed him as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2002. Despite being on the active roster, the 39-year-old has only suited up for six of the team's previous seven games. If this is the end of the road for the veteran linebacker, he will finish his career with 788 tackles (570 solo) and 82.5 sacks,.

Harrison (knee) was not listed on the Steelers' final injury report heading into Monday's game versus the Bengals.

Harrison did not practice Thursday or Friday, but logged a full workload Saturday. It looks like the team was just being cautious with the veteran in order to allow him time to recover before Monday's game. Assuming he avoids any setbacks, look for him to take on his usual role in Week 13.