Despite overwhelming support from Chiefs Kingdom and rumored interest from at least the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots, former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison went unclaimed through the NFL’s waiver process after Mike Tomlin’s team decided to part ways from the franchise icon and longtime pass rusher.
The Steelers release of Harrison surprised the entire NFL over the holiday weekend as the team decided to use his roster spot to make way for Marcus Gilbert to return from injury to the active roster. Immediately it was rumored that several playoff bound teams could benefit from Harrison’s presence, experience and pass rushing prowess, and teams in the AFC were listed as favorites to potentially put in a waiver claim.