The Baltimore Ravens may have wrapped up quarterback Joe Flacco to a long-term deal, but they are having difficulty retaining many of their players due to free agency. The Super Bowl champs lost Anquan Boldin to the San Francisco 49ers and could be losing Ed Reed to free agency as well. The Ravens released safety Bernard Pollard early Wednesday and are now reportedly pursing ex-Pittsburgh Steeler lineback James Harrison. Harrison's agent, Bill Barise, told the Baltimore Sun that he has engaged in preliminary discussions with the Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome.
"I've talked to Ozzie, sure have, had a good talk about James. It's early and we're not in negotiations, but we're having some good conversations. Baltimore would be an outstanding place for James to play because he knows the division and has that familiarity and they're a class organization. We'll see where it goes," Parise said.
Harrison is a five-time Pro Bowler and NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 with the Steelers. Harrison was cut after the two sides were unable to agree on a reduced contract. He was scheduled to make $6.57 million in salary in 2013. It was a cap space saving move.
Harrison is approaching 35 and his age is certainly starting to take a toll on his body, but he can still be a big presence on the field for the Ravens. His production dipped last season, only recording six sacks while he was dealing with lingering injuries, but he has produced seasons of 16 sacks before. Harrison has become known more for the fines he has racked up for helmet-to-helmet hits, leaving no one to question his physical play on the field.
The Ravens have seen a depletion in their defensive since winning the Super Bowl. Linebacker Ray Lewis retired once the season was over. Paul Kruger signed a five-year, $41 million deal with the Cleveland Browns and Dannell Ellerbe left for Miami. The team is in desperate need of a player like Harrison.
Harrison would likely come at a relatively cheap contract. Being on the older side of most veterans, the Ravens could sign him to a low risk contract that is friendly to their salary cap space. They are currently short-handed on defense and need to pick up Harrison before another team grabs him.