Packers Release Cornerback Al Harris, Who Could Make Sense for Vikings, Eagles, Patriots, Texans

Al Harris was in the Pro Bowl in his last two full seasons with the Packers. He never showed “character problems” or hinted toward wanting out of Green Bay.

Even so, the Packers released him on Monday.

Harris has been rehabilitating from a knee injury incurred in 2009, but coach Mike McCarthy said that the release was “not a physical decision,” but instead “a big-picture roster decision,” according to ESPN.com.

Harris, who has been practicing with the team for the past three weeks, had yet to be activated from the PUP list.

In his absence, Tramon Williams won the starting job at cornerback, and his play has merited him retaining that position. Rookie Sam Shields has also been impressive in his time in the secondary. As a result, the veteran became expendable.

Harris, who is determined to continue his NFL career even though he will turn 36 this season, will likely find suitors — provided his knee is good to go.

Division rivals Minnesota lost top cornerback Cedric Griffin for the year, and Harris and Brett Favre are said to still be close from their days together in Green Bay. Andy Reid has reportedly stated that the Eagles are considering bringing in Harris as well.

Houston and New England are two other teams that could likely use the veteran cornerback. Both have young, talented corners that could use a mentor — Kareem Jackson and Devin McCourty, respectively — and both have weak pass defenses. The two teams are ranked 32nd and 29th, respectively, despite being in the playoff hunt, meaning the teams may need to take a gamble on Harris to sure up their chances going forward.

Despite the release, Harris had no hard feelings for his team of the past eight years.

“I lost my job to injury, but I have only good things to say about Green Bay and everyone I worked with,” he said.

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