8 NFL Veterans in Danger of Losing Their Jobs

James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers

All of the Steelers’ mid-2000’s veterans are seemingly going out to pasture in the past few years. Outside linebacker James Harrison is no different. The 37-year old pass-rusher has already been informed that he’ll be playing fewer snaps this season, and his decreased production since 2011 is part of the reason why. Once averaging more than 10 sacks and 85 tackles per season, Harrison has averaged fewer than five sacks and 50 tackles per season in the last three years. In 2014, the Steelers ranked 26th in Adjusted Defensive Passing NEP, showing just how emaciated their pass rush has become. Now that breakout ‘backer Jason Worilds has retired, one would think that there is still need for the wily vet in the starting lineup.

Au contraire, says former Kentucky edge player Alvin “Bud” Dupree. The Steelers’ selection at 22nd overall, Dupree is a freaky athlete who produced extremely well in college. He racked up 23.5 sacks in his 45-game career and had 74 tackles (12.5 for loss) in his senior season alone at the defensive end position. In Pittsburgh, he’ll be a standup outside linebacker, but he should excel by just being allowed to pin his ears back and rush the pocket. With former first-rounder Jarvis Jones manning the other side of the 3-4, Harrison will be solely situational going forward.