James Harrison has yet to garner a lot of attention since free agency began. The former defensive player of the year was let go by the Steelers, but players like Dwight Freeney and John Abraham are gaining all of the interest. While the linebacker has a few teams beginning to call his number, he is expressing interest in re-signing with the Steelers if they will have him.
Harrison was originally released to clear cap space. He was entering the final two yers of a $51 million extension that he originally signed in 2009. He was scheduled to make $6.57 million before being released. Harrison however, has not closed the door on returning to the Steelers. His agent said he would welcome a call from the Steelers if they are interested in discussing a new deal.
Harrison has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh. The team signed him as an undrafted rookie in 2002. He has had a successful career with the Steelers, going to the Pro Bowl five times, winning two Super Bowls and being names the NFL Defensive Player of the year in 2008. He has 64 career sacks and has yet to see a true drop off in his production.
He missed the first three games of the 2012 season with a minor knee injury but was the team's most productive player in the second half of the season, finishing with six sacks which tied a team lead. He also helped the Steelers finish with the No. 1 overall defense in the league for the fourth time since he became a starter.
He has become known more for his controversial style of play than his productivity on the field. In the last few years, he has drawn several penalties for illegal helmet-to-helmet hits. In 2010, he was fined $120,000 for penalties.
Harrison was scheduled to meet with the Baltimore Ravens who had shown interest in signing a veteran defensive player. However, the Ravens agreed to a deal with Elvis Dumervil, eliminating their interest in Harrison. The Steelers are also in the market for a pass rusher, mainly due to the release of Harrison. They have shown interest in Freeney, but so have other teams. If they are unable to sign Freeney, Harrison might be their best interest.
He will likely have to take a pay cut with the Steelers who are still struggling to stay under the salary cap. But with the market relatively weak for veteran players, he will be forced to take the first deal that is offered.
