STEELERS RELEASE LONGTIME TIME MAINSTAY JAMES HARRISON,

Steelers all-time sack leader had been frustrated with his lack of playing time

The Steelers released outside linebacker James Harrison Saturday to make room for right tackle Marcus Gilbert, who was activated to the 53-man roster after his fourgame suspension.

Harrison, the Steelers alltime sacks leader, took part in practice earlier Saturday. Harrison, who turned 39 in the spring, has seen his role diminished this season. He has been a healthy scratch for some games and dressed but hasn’t played in others.

Harrison, in the final year of a two-year contract, played only 40 snaps in the first 14 games. Against the New England Patriots Sunday, with the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs at stake, Harrison dressed but did not play.But against Baltimore the previous week, Harrison played the final snap when T.J. Watt sacked Joe Flacco to end the game.

Saturday afternoon, Harrison tweeted his thanks to fans, “Can’t wait to find out what God has in store for me next. Many thanks to #SteelersNation ...”

Harrison’s agent, Bill Parise, said they’ll wait to see if he clears waivers before making any other decisions. When asked if Harrison would be willing to sign with another team, Parise said he didn’t broach the question with Harrison when they spoke earlier Saturday.

The Steelers could re-sign Harrison if he clears waivers, but Parise said he hadn’t received any indications from the Steelers about the possibility. Parise said Harrison should clear waivers by 4 p.m. Monday unless the holiday pushes everything back a day.

Harrison hasn’t been happy about his reduced role. He told the Post-Gazette in October that he didn’t come back to sit on the bench.

“It’s a good feeling anytime I go out there and play,” Harrison said after he secured the Steelers victory against the Chiefs by sacking Alex Smith late in the game. “That’s what I like to do. I like to compete.”

Harrison saw his seasonhigh in snaps against the Chiefs but has played sparingly since then. His sack of Smith is his only one of the year, 82½ of his career.

Harrison signed as an undrafted free agent with the Steelers in 2002. He played in 177 games for the Steelers with 107 starts. All but two of his sacks came with the Steelers. Harrison played the 2014 season with the Bengals.