The Patriots signing of James Harrison was a good move by Bill Belichick but let’s not pretend like Harrison is going to put the Patriots “over the top”. 

There is no question Harrison will bolster the Patriots lackluster pass rush but he is 39 years old and hasn’t exactly been productive the last three years. Harrison is a shell of the player he once was and his value to the Patriots might be more as a mentor than as a player. 

Harrison will play 15-20 snaps a game in 30 fronts. He will play the five technique outside linebacker spot and come off the edge. Harrison isn’t as explosive as he once was but he can still set the edge. Run support is where Harrison will make the most impact on the field. 

As far as Harrison giving the Patriots Steelers intel, Harrison will do that but that is not the sole reason they signed him. They need Harrison to be productive on the field. Simply giving the Patriots,  Steelers intel is not enough.

James Harrison could help the Patriots by fortifying their pass rush and giving them depth but he will not be the reason they hoist the Lombardi Trophy come February. He is not that type of player anymore. If he were, he would still be in Pittsburgh.