James Harrison, at 37, is set to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 14th NFL season.
"He's under contract for one more year," said Bill Parise, Harrison's agent. "We plan to honor that."
Harrison, who turns 38 in May, still reserves the right to bow out, and after the season he expressed uncertainty about coming back because of the grind of another NFL offseason. But Harrison's postseason meeting with coach Mike Tomlin was productive, paving the way for a return that would satisfy both parties.
Harrison has one year left on a two-year extension he signed before the 2015 season. He is due $1.25 million in base salary.
Harrison, however, tweeted a caution later Tuesday.
Hold up. It's 1 thing to want to come back but it's another to get the body back to where it needs to be. We'll see. https://t.co/34YPjZU5Sh
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) February 16, 2016
General manager Kevin Colbert said Tuesday he anticipates Harrison wanting to play again and doesn't see a scenario where the team doesn't want him.
"James came back and did a great job not only on the field but he was really a great mentor to our younger players," Colbert said. "He inspired those guys and the way he goes about his business every day. "Harrison was productive in his Steelers return, registering 40 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception during the regular season despite playing slightly more than 50 percent of the defensive snaps. Harrison added two sacks in the playoffs, including three tackles for a loss in a divisional round loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Denver.
With 76.5 sacks for his career, Harrison ranks 37th in NFL history.