Steelers To Release LB Malik Harrison

The Steelers are expected to release veteran linebacker Malik Harrison, according to The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero, ending his time in Pittsburgh after just one season.

Harrison, 28, signed with the Steelers last year and served as the team’s No. 3 inside linebacker with a core role on special teams during the regular season. His release will save $4.75MM against Pittsburgh’s 2026 salary cap and leave $2.04MM in dead money (via OverTheCap).

Originally a 2020 third-round pick by the Ravens, Harrison cut his teeth on special teams to start his NFL career with a depth role on defense. In 2022, he was moved into a hybrid linebacker role that largely involved playing off the edge on run-stopping downs. Harrison was effective in that spot over the next few years, earning 78.3 and 71.1 run defense grades from Pro Football Focus (subscription required)

Harrison re-signed with the Ravens in 2024 and put up another strong performance against the run. However, he struggled when asked to drop back against the pass, earning a 29.9 coverage grade that ranked third-worst among inside linebackers. His missed tackle rate also spiked from 11.4% in his first four seasons to 18.2% in 2024.

Harrison then signed a two-year, $10MM deal with the Steelers, joining fellow Baltimore 2020 draftee Patrick Queen on their former division rival’s defense. In Pittsburgh, he moved back to inside linebacker with a better showing in coverage (45.0 PFF grade) but a drop in run defense (59.8). His missed tackle rate ticked up again, too.

As a vested veteran, Harrison is immediately available to sign to any NFL team. His special teams experience could draw interest, potentially from the Giants, who have collected several of John Harbaugh‘s former players this year. At a minimum, he should earn a spot on the practice squad – potentially even back in Baltimore, where injuries to depth linebackers have left the team somewhat thin at the position.