PITTSBURGH -- James Harrison, now a member of the AFC rival New England Patriots, wanted out of Pittsburgh over playing time, according to multiple Steelers.
Center Maurkice Pouncey said Harrison forcing his way to free agency will affect his Steelers legacy.
"I don't care. Bye. Have fun," Pouncey said of Harrison's release and decision to join New England.
"I don't want the media to portray that we're the reason he left. That ain't the reason. He chose to leave. He made certain decisions and his actions got him to this circumstance."
Bud Dupree, on James Harrison</cite>
Pittsburgh released Harrison, 39, on Saturday, and after clearing waivers he signed with New England.
Harrison, Pittsburgh's career sacks leader (80.5), played just 40 snaps through 14 games this season. According to his former Steelers teammates, everything about his release went according to plan for Harrison.
"I don't want the media to portray that we're the reason he left," third-year linebacker Bud Dupree said. "That ain't the reason. He chose to leave. He made certain decisions and his actions got him to this circumstance."
Cornerback Artie Burns said Harrison's "energy" showed the team he was mad over a lack of playing time, which created "a whole thing with him and the guys upstairs," leading to his release.
In an unceremonious move, the Steelers announced Saturday on Twitter: "We have activated OT Marcus Gilbert from the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner List to our active roster, and released LB James Harrison."
"I guess [New England is] where he wanted to be," Burns said.
Pouncey spoke strongly about the responsibility of a longtime Pittsburgh Steeler to carry out what's best for the team, including mentoring young players.
Rookie T.J. Watt and Dupree -- both first-round picks -- replaced Harrison on a full-time basis this season. When asked whether Harrison was a mentor to him, Dupree laughed while walking out of the interview scrum.
"We're going to speak the truth, that's what it is," Pouncey said. "I want [backup B.J. Finney] to be the best offensive lineman. If he comes and takes my position, it is what it is. ... I'm not going to complain about that. I'm very thankful for everything. I'm a man about everything. Any time I messed up, every time I never did anything, I stood up to everybody and told them. It is what it is. I'm not going to run from no one."
This is a strange ending to Harrison's career in Pittsburgh. He spent all but one of his 15 seasons with the Steelers, making five Pro Bowls and winning two Super Bowl rings and a Defensive Player of the Year award. Teammates had lauded Harrison's ability to lead by example.
Safety Mike Mitchell said Harrison is a friend but added about going to New England, "I probably wouldn't have done it for $59,000," citing Harrison's per-game average at the league's veteran minimum.
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