Steelers Not “Closing The Door” On Possible Reunion With OLB James Harrison

March 23, 2014

Update:

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert mentioned on Sunday that they won’t close the door on a possible reunion with OLB James Harrison.

“Never going to close the door on any possibility, especially with a guy who was huge part of our success,” Colbert said, per Gerry Dulac.

It’s doubtful that the Steelers would be willing to offer Harrison much more than the veteran’s minimum, but it appears as though there is at least a possibility he could be back in Pittsburgh next year.

Harrison, 35, was deemed expendable by Cincinnati after playing the first year of a two-year deal, registering only two sacks in fifteen games.

Pro Football Focus did grade Harrison well last season, putting him No. 9 among 4-3 outside linebackers.

We have him listed as the No. 44 best available player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.

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According to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers and free agent OLB James Harrison have mutual interest in a reunion.

Bouchette adds that although the Steelers have been quiet about re-signing Harrison, they have discussed the idea and it is expected to happen.
Bouchette doesn’t see the Steelers offering him an opportunity to start, but they could use some depth at the position.

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During an appearance Monday night on the NFL Network , the recently released LB James Harrison was asked what team he would like to play for next season to which Steelers CB Ike Taylor‘s proclaimed “Pittsburgh.”

Harrison responded by saying; “Everybody knows that.”

Scott Brown of ESPN.com writes that Pittsburgh could sign Harrison — who spent last season with Cincinnati — after June 1st, when the Steelers will receive $8.58 million in cap relief after the release of LB LaMarr Woodley.

Brown adds that last year, Harrison and the Steelers could not agree to a pay cut, necessitating his eventual release.

A reunion between Harrison and Pittsburgh did not look likely after last season, but Pittsburgh is in need of depth at the outside linebacker position. They only have Jarvis Jones, Jason Worilds, and Chris Carter currently on the roster.