PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 03: (Editor's note: Image has been converted to black and white.) James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers takes the field during introductions prior to the preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field on September 3, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Two-time Super Bowl champion signing with conference-rival following release from Steelers

He leaves Pittsburgh with 82.5 career sacks, eight interceptions and 570 tackles.

Veteran linebacker is signing with the New England Patriots days after his release from the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to ESPN's Field Yates:

Harrison had given up his starting spot to T.J. Watt and expressed his frustration with that earlier in the year. With the Patriots, he could make a massive impact on a defense that has turned things around as of late.

He leaves Pittsburgh with 82.5 career sacks, eight interceptions and 570 tackles. Among active players, he is eighth in sacks. His 80.5 sacks in Pittsburgh are a franchise-best — he also had a stint with the Bengals for a season. As recent as 2016, Harrison led the Steelers in season sacks with five.

Harrison is a five-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro linebacker and two-time Super Bowl champion.