Steelers release LB James Harrison, activate OT Marcus Gilbert

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 30: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is introduced prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Heinz Field on November 30, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes an interception in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs back an interception for a touchdown in the second quarter against Mike Gandy #69 of the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a touchdown after running back an interception for 100 yards in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

KANSAS CITY, MP - JANUARY 15: Outside linebacker James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks off of the field with a Sunday Night Football game ball following the Steelers victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts to sacking Tarvaris Jackson #7 of the Seattle Seahawks during the game on September 18, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Seahawks 24-0. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 08: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is seen on the field after a play during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card game at Heinz Field on January 8, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 13: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the second half during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Heinz Field on November 13, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers takes the field during player introductions against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 08: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks onto the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Heinz Field on November 8, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

LATROBE, PA - JULY 29: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks down to the field during training camp on July 29, 2011 at St Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 08: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is seen on the field after a play during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card game at Heinz Field on January 8, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 02: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens is sacked by James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field on November 2, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

CINCINNATI - SEPTEMBER 27: Andre Caldwell #87 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball while defended by Deshea Townsend #26 and James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on September 27, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals won 23-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Linebacker James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after a play against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 30: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches his team warm up prior to the game against the New England Patriots on October 30, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran linebacker James Harrison on Saturday to make room for offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert, who was activated off the reserve/suspended by the commissioner list, according to the team.

Harrison originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent in April 2002, and after spending time on the practice squad, the Baltimore Ravens and the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe, he again signed with the Steelers in 2004.

Harrison went on to become the face of a championship-caliber defense, winning two Super Bowls and being named to five Pro Bowls. He was also the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.

He signed with the Bengals in 2013 after the Steelers released him for salary-cap purposes. After one year in Cincinnati, he retired, only to rejoin the Steelers less than a month later.

He has started 107 of 177 regular-season games played in Pittsburgh. He holds the franchise record for career sacks, with 80.5.

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