Pittsburgh Steelers Free Agency: James Harrison has to take pay cut after all
By Matt Shetler
Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison recently signed a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals and it looks like he is taking a pay cut after all.
December 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Cincinnati Bengals won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Harrison’s deal with the Bengals is worth a total of $4.45 million throughout two years, so it looks like his plan didn’t work out so well.
Before he was released, Harrison was adamant about not taking a pay cut with the Steelers. Had he accepted the 30 percent decrease, Harrison would have been making $4.6 million for this season alone.
There wasn’t much interest in Harrison around the league, mostly due to his age, injury history and of course his salary demands.
Harrison’s deal with the Bengals nearly fell through because of money and he really had no choice but to take what Cincinnati was offering due to the lack of interest in his services.
Sometimes the demand for more money comes back and bites you in the rear end and that’s what Harrison’s situation looks like.
It’s a good deal for the Bengals as the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year at least has two semi-productive seasons left in him.
It’s not so great of a deal for Harrison though as for a guy that seemed worried about money, it probably stings that he had to do the one thing he wouldn’t do to remain in a Steelers uniform- take a pay cut.