James Harrison released by Steelers

James Harrison’s Pittsburgh Steelers career looks to be over for good.

The veteran linebacker, who has spent nearly his entire career with the Steelers, was released Saturday by the team.

The #Steelers have released long-time LB James Harrison, whose playing time had diminished

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2017

Harrison had only appeared in five games this season, and only once since Oct. 22. That didn’t suit either party, so it made sense to let him go free, though NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted that Harrison could still return.

The #Steelers cutting James Harrison makes sense. Probably the least-likely player to get claimed off waivers. Could return on Monday night

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2017

Harrison turns 40 in May. He was determined to come back last offseason, but we’ll see if there’s interest — both on Harrison’s part and on the league’s — in another season. He may yet call it a career this offseason. In the meantime, it’s entirely possible a playoff team could find use for him.