Pittsburgh Steelers Free Agency: James Harrison to Bengals appears dead
By Matt Shetler
Over the weekend, it appeared that former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison would remain in the AFC North as it was reported that he was close to signing a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Apparently now there’s no chance of that happening.
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
NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports that talks between the Bengals and the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year have “broken off.”
Rapoport adds that Cincinnati will now turn their attention to LB Karlos Dansby who visited with the Bengals not too long ago.
Harrison’s asking price figured to be the main issue with him reaching an agreement with the Bengals. However given that there is no market at all for Harrison, you would think his asking price will have to come down or he could find himself without a job when the 2013 season comes along.
Given the lack of interest around the league in the five-time Pro-Bowler, as well as the fact that the draft is right around the corner, it makes sense for the Bengals to stick to their offer.
Harrison is 35, coming off of a few injury plagued seasons and is probably better off playing in a 3-4 scheme opposed to a 4-3 scheme, but beggars can’t be choosers.
He’s nowhere near the player he once was and you would think that he would have jumped on an offer to play against his former team twice a season.
Harrison’s unwillingness to take a pay cut resulted in his release from the Steelers.
His continual unwillingness to do so, could force him into early retirement.