After former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison went unclaimed on waivers, the 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is reportedly visiting with an AFC rival today: the New England Patriots.

According to NFL reporter Field Yates of ESPN, Harrison made a visit to Gillette Stadium this afternoon after the Steelers released the five-time Pro Bowl linebacker in order to make room for offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert on the 53-man roster. His playing time really took a dip over the last few weeks, as T.J. Watt and Budd Dupree have taken a majority of the reps at outside linebacker this season.

Harrison is currently the oldest defensive player in the NFL this year, and if the Pats sign him, they would have the oldest players on both sides of the ball with superstar quarterback Tom Brady on offense.

If the Pats do indeed end up signing Harrison, it won't be much of a surprise to NFL fans if he gets to play against his former team in the AFC Championship game should the Steelers and Patriots both win their divisional round games.

Harrison, who is in his 15th season in the NFL and No. 14 with the Steelers, is Pittsburgh's all-time leader in sacks with 80.5 in 177 games.

UPDATE (4:00 p.m. ET): Harrison has indeed signed with New England.