Pittsburgh Steelers' James Harrison good with any role

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison told reporters that he has no issue playing in what amounts to a relief role this season.

Harrison's comment came on the heels of outside linebackers coach Joey Porter telling the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Steelers Nation Radio this week that the team plans to use rookie T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree as primary pass rushers.

"I'll be fine, whatever they want me to do," Harrison said on Wednesday. "Whatever they want, I'm good."

Harrison recorded 5.0 sacks in each of the past two seasons before signing a two-year, $3.5 million contract in March. The new pact is Harrison's second with the Steelers since he held an official retirement press conference in August 2014.

The 39-year-old Harrison will enter his 15th season in the NFL, all but one with Pittsburgh. The Steelers released him in 2013 when he refused to take a pay cut, and he played that season with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Harrison started seven of 15 regular-season games played in 2016, accumulating 53 tackles and two forced fumbles. His five regular-season sacks paved the way for him to become the Steelers' all-time sacks leader during the regular season with 79.5. Sacks became an official statistic in 1982.

Harrison is also tied for the most sacks (11.0), along with LaMarr Woodley, in Steelers' postseason history.

Harrison originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent on April 22, 2002. He has started 117 of 187 games played for Pittsburgh and recorded 81.5 sacks during his time in the NFL.

Harrison was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 after recording a Steelers-record 16.0 sacks. Harrison earned five consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl (2007-11) and was named All-Pro following three seasons (2007, 2008 and 2010).

Harrison has played in 19 postseason games (12 starts). He helped the Steelers win three AFC championships and two Super Bowls. Harrison registered the longest interception return in Super Bowl history, a 100-yard touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII.