Ra'Shon

Harris

Holliday doesn’t play receiver, so he’s a longshot for the 2012 roster even after Jacoby Jones’ miscues led in large part to the Texans’ season-ending loss. Iglesias was a final cut in Minnesota last September.

Harris had reportedly been having a strong camp, but he was a roster long shot all along. The Texans will now give UDFA Hebron Fangupo a longer look.

The deal includes a $64,000 signing bonus. Harris, 6'5/321 out of Oregon, is a weight room warrior lacking in mobility. The Steelers will try to groom him as an anchored nose tackle who can occupy multiple blockers.

Harris had to go to make room for 14-year veteran Hollis Thomas, who was signed today. Harris, a sixth-round pick by the Steelers this season, is a project that wasn’t ready to contribute despite all the injuries on the Panthers’ defensive line.

Harris was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round this April, but was waived at final cuts. After a cup of coffee with Carolina, Harris gets another shot in Pittsburgh with Aaron Smith (shoulder) going on injured reserve.

Shipley, knocked for his T-Rex arms in the draft, failed to impress during training camp even with starter Justin Hartwig banged up. Both rookies will likely wind up on the practice squad after clearing waivers.

Carolina surprisingly kept just three defensive tackles on final cuts day, but Harris should help. At 6'5/321, he has the body to play nose tackle in the Panthers’ 4-3 system. Harris will compete with Louis Leonard to start.

Kirschke has a torn left calf muscle and probably won’t be ready for a couple more weeks. Nick Eason will replace Kirshcke at left defensive end, where the Steelers have already lost Aaron Smith (shoulder) for the season. Rookies Ziggy Hood and Sunny Harris will also see more snaps.

“Sunny” is a wide body at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, but has bounced around since the Steelers made him the 205th overall selection in the 2009 draft.

Harris is a fringe NFL player at best, and may have a hard time resurfacing in the league.