Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison signs one-year contract with Patriots after visit earlier today

The New England Patriots, champions of the AFC East and current frontrunner for the conference’s top playoff seed, are sitting pretty at 12-3 heading into the final week of the regular season. However, the team still has room for improvement - one area of which is the depth on the defensive edge.

To potentially adress the position, the team brought in a veteran free agent for a visit today:

Harrison is on the open market after getting released by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Patriots’ main conference rival, last week. The 39-year old played only a part-time role on the Steelers’ defense and appeared in just five games this year, playing a mere 40 defensive snaps. He registered three tackles and one sack.

Harrison would add experience and depth to the Patriots’ defense but probably not much more at this point in his career. He would most likely serve as a rotational piece behind Trey Flowers, Deatrich Wise Jr. and Eric Lee; a situational pass rusher to play part-time snaps in this role.

UPDATE: The Patriots are signing Harrison per Yates what a time to be alive.

UPDATE II: Harrison will sign a one-year deal, per the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe.