Damon

Harrison

A 2012 undrafted free agent out of small-school William Penn, “Snacks” emerged as one of the decade’s better run stoppers for a time, earning 2016 first-team All-Pro honors. He was simply immovable in the middle of the Jets and Giants’ defensive lines from 2013-18. Harrison did begin to rapidly decline after turning 30 in 2018, and hangs it up having made just seven appearances since the end of the 2019 season. That is life in the NFL. Harrison retires as a first-ballot member of the Hall of Very Memorable.

Harrison played just 150 regular-season snaps between the Packers and Seattle last year. He was a non-factor in the two playoff games he appeared in. Harrison turns 33 in November and looked washed in 2020 but is two seasons removed from being one of the league’s better run stoppers. He should land a non-guaranteed deal before training camp.

The 32-year-old nose tackle appeared in six games for the Seahawks but was curiously cut after not playing in Week 16. He had an odd tweet that suggested he asked for his release from Seattle. Harrison somehow lands in an even better situation headed into the playoffs with the Packers.

Per Pelissero, Harrison is happy in Seattle and “ramping up towards joining the Seahawks’ active roster.” Harrison has spent 13 days in the Pacific Northwest.

Harrison visited Seattle last month and had interest from the Packers. It’s surprising he settled for a practice squad deal, but Harrison likely needs time to get in shape. Harrison should find his way to the active roster as a veteran run stopper.

Released by the Lions in February, Harrison had contemplated retirement. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Bears, Packers, and Bengals have expressed interest in signing Harrison. Harrison in 2019 played his fewest snaps since 2014, missing a game with a groin injury. Harrison, 31, could provide depth for a defensive lineman-needy team.

The Cowboys already signed Gerald McCoy, but it sounds like they aren’t done addressing the interior of their defensive line just yet. None of these veteran DTs are likely to garner a long-term deal in Dallas, although a hefty one-year contract could certainly be in play. Suh and Poe are the team’s best bets for finding a three-down difference-making talent, as both Harrison and Pennel are better used as two-down players at this point in their respective careers.

“Snacks” no more. The move creates $6.7 million in cap space, and comes after a disappointing season for the run-stuffer extraordinaire. Harrison saw his Pro Football Focus grade crater while playing his fewest snaps since 2014. He missed one game with a groin injury. Harrison’s down year does need to be viewed through the prism of an overall terrible Lions defense. 2020 will be Snacks’ age-32 campaign. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports Harrison contemplated retirement last season but wants to continue playing. His goal on the open market will be landing guaranteed money for the upcoming season. He is unlikely to secure any for 2021.

The absence of Harrison is great news for the entire Bears’ rushing attack. David Montgomery has consistent usage, racking up at least 15 touches in each of the team’s past five games. The bad news is the rookie hasn’t resembled the same talent that was lauded for his collegiate tackle-breaking numbers for much of the offseason. Only David Johnson and Kalen Ballage have averaged fewer yards after contact per rush among 52 qualified RBs (PFF).

He’ll make $12 million guaranteed over the next two seasons. Harrison skipped OTAs in search of a new contract. He also missed most of training camp on the active/NFI list, but the Lions are obviously comfortable with his health. Harrison rebounded in the second half of last year after getting traded to Detroit and will return as the anchor of the defensive line. He’s now signed through 2021.