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| PIT - New faces on defense - |
When organized team activities (OTAs) open Tuesday, May 21, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have at least three new faces among the starters. LB Jason Worilds is in for the departed James Harrison (Bengals) at outside lineback, NT Steve McLendon is in for free-agent Casey Hampton at nose tackle, and CB Cortez Allen takes over for CB Keenan Lewis (Saints) at cornerback.
| CIN - James Harrison spends a lot on body - |
Cincinnati Bengals LB James Harrison said he spends between $400,000 to $600,000 to make sure his body is ready for the start of the season. He said he uses a hyperbaric Chamber and has his own staff of acupuncturists, massage therapists and homeopathic doctors.
| CIN - James Harrison to work at SAM LB - |
The Cincinnati Bengals needed an upgraded at SAM linebacker following the departure of LB Manny Lawson (Bills), and that is exactly where the team envisions LB James Harrison lining up. 'We all feel good about how he rushes the passer, obviously,' linebackers coach Paul Guenther said Wednesday, May 15. 'He's done the same coverage stuff that he did in Pittsburgh that he'll do here. Just a little different in terminology and sight lines.'
| PIT - Rookie Jones hurries the QB - |
Steelers rookie OLB Jarvis Jones led all AQ defenders last year with 15 quarterback hurries. A QBH is defined as a passing play where the quarterback is flushed from the pocket or hurries his throw due to pressure.
Footballguys view: Jones was added in the first-round to boost the Steelers pass rush. He'll start opposite LaMarr Woodley and will fill the shoes of James Harrison (Bengals) who moved on in free agency. His speed and ability to bend the edge will make him an immediate impact player for Pittsburgh.
| CIN - James Harrison contract update - |
Cincinnati Bengals LB James Harrison's two-year deal averages $2.225 million per season. He received a $1.2 million signing bonus, and he will earn $3 million in 2013.
| CIN - Believe James Harrison can play in 4-3 defense - |
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said he believes LB James Harrison will be able to adjust to playing in a 4-3 defensive alignment. 'He can adjust; he was their adjustor in Pittsburgh,' Lewis said. 'I have no doubt he can do it. He's got that flexibility and he's a smart, hard-working guy. But it all starts with the fact he's physical against the run.'
| CIN - James Harrison agrees to terms - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to terms with free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) on a two-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| CIN - Will not add two free agent LBs - |
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said the team could sign free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) or free-agent LB Karlos Dansby (Dolphins) this offseason but ruled out the possibility of signing both players.
| CIN - Hope to have resolution with James Harrison soon - |
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said he believes the team will know whether or not they will be able to sign free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) by the start of the 2013 NFL Draft.
| CIN - Talks with James Harrison resume - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have resumed contract talks with free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers), but no deal is done at this point.
| PIT - James Harrison unlikely to return - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers likely will not show interest in re-signing free-agent LB James Harrison unless they are not able to add an outside linebacker in the 2013 NFL Draft.
| CIN - Some issues in signing James Harrison - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have not signed free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) at this point because of money as well as the team is not sure whether Harrison can transition to a 4-3 defensive alignment after playing his entire career in a 3-4 defensive alignment.
| CIN - Unlikely to sign James Harrison - |
The Cincinnati Bengals and free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) continue to discuss a contract, but it 'does not look like the numbers will work,' according to a source.
| CIN - Karlos Dansby might be better fit - |
Free-agent LB Karlos Dansby (Dolphins) might be a better fit for the team than free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers), but it appears the team is closing in on a deal with the latter.
| CIN - Negotiations with James Harrison to continue - |
The Cincinnati Bengals and free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) are expected to resume negotiations Monday, April 15, according to a league source.
| CIN - Working on deal for James Harrison - |
The Cincinnati Bengals are having contract talks with free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) and will try to reach an agreement at some point this week.
| CIN - High level of interest in James Harrison - |
The Cincinnati Bengals have a high level of interest in LB James Harrison (Steelers). Contract talks could ramp up when the two sides speak again this weekend.
| CIN - No deal close with James Harrison - |
The Cincinnati Bengals met with free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) Wednesday, April 10, but no deal is imminent at this point.
| CIN - James Harrison visiting - |
The Cincinnati Bengals are visiting with free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) Thursday, April 11.
| CLE - Not interested in James Harrison - |
The Cleveland Browns do not have any interest in free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers).
| - Nothing planned for James Harrison - |
There are no visits scheduled for this week for free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers). It is possible that he could make visits next week.
Footballguys view: Harrison will be on a roster next year but it may be a while before somebody signs him. The free agent market has cooled and teams aren't in a rush to add aging veterans like Harrison. It sounds like the Steelers are not currently interested in re-signing him.
| PIT - Not interested in James Harrison - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers have informed free-agent LB James Harrison they're no longer interested in re-signing him.
| PIT - James Harrison open to return - |
Bill Parise, agent for free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers), said Harrison is open to the possibility of re-signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.
| BAL - Were scheduled to meet James Harrison - |
The Baltimore Ravens were scheduled to meet free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) Sunday, March 24, before the team agreed to terms with DL Elvis Dumervil.
| - Plenty of interest in James Harrison - |
The agent for free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) said Sunday, March 24, that there are other teams interested in the services of his client, after the Baltimore Ravens situation did not work out. The team signed DL Elvis Dumervil instead.
| - James Harrison not getting much attention - |
Free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) is not receiving much interest from teams this offseason.
| - James Harrison not a hot commodity - |
Free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) is one of the coldest free agents being discussed at the NFL meetings.
Footballguys view: Harrison has been injured too often, and his "me against the world" personality might not be a great fit in every locker room.
| BAL - James Harrison showing interest - |
The agent for free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers), Bill Parise, said he will talk with Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome Saturday, March 16, about his client. 'Their timeline is a little slower at this point, but Ozzie's going to have to sign at least a couple of linebackers,' Parise said. 'I know where we stand. He's made it clear that there's interest from the Ravens, and we have an interest. We would like that very much for James to wind up with a great organization like the Ravens. So, we'll wait and see where it goes.'
| BAL - Interested in James Harrison - |
The Baltimore Ravens have reached out to unrestricted free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) and appear to be interested in signing him.
| - Seven teams interested in James Harrison - |
Seven teams are believed to be interested in free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers), according to a source.
| NO - James Harrison a long shot - |
The New Orleans Saints are unlikely to sign free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers). Harrison's agent said he would love to play in New Orleans.
| BAL - James Harrison open to joining team - |
Bill Parise, agent for free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers), said Harrison would be interested in signing with the Baltimore Ravens. It is not known if Ravens is interested in Harrison.
Footballguys view: Harrison was with the Ravens years ago, only to be released. He latched on with the Steelers and became a star. He could re-sign with Pittsburgh but it would have to be at a discounted price.
| NE - James Harrison willing to join team - |
Free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) said he is open to the possibility of signing with the New England Patriots this offseason.
Footballguys view: If healthy Harrison would be a welcome addition to the Patriots. He can still rush the passer and is a player who brings a enforcer mentality when he steps on the field.
| CLE - James Harrison willing to play for team - |
Free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers), who is an Akron native and Kent State alum, said Saturday, March 9, that he would love to play for the Cleveland Browns.
| CLE - James Harrison would be interested in joining team - |
Bill Parise, agent for free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers), said Harrison would be interested in signing with the Cleveland Browns.
| - James Harrison thinks he can play several more years - |
Free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) said he believes he can play three or four more years and is open to playing for any team.
| NE - Not expected to pursue James Harrison - |
The New England Patriots are not expected to pursue free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) this offseason.
| PIT - Asked James Harrison to take pay cut - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers asked free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) to accept a pay cut of around 30 percent but would have given him the chance to earn that money back in incentives. He rejected that option because he believes he can get more money elsewhere.
| - James Harrison prefers to play in 3-4 defense - |
Free-agent LB James Harrison (Steelers) said he would like to sign with a successful team this offseason and would prefer to join a team that runs the 3-4 defensive alignment. He also said a warm weather city might be better for him.
| PIT - James Harrison says he has been released - |
Pittsburgh Steelers LB James Harrison released a statement via Twitter Saturday, March 9, acknowledging that he has been released. 'It's been a great run, but all good things must come to an end. Thank you Steelers Nation. I will miss you all!' Harrison said.
| PIT - Agent for James Harrison pessimistic - |
The agent for Pittsburgh Steelers LB James Harrison said Friday, March 8, that negotiations are 'not going good' with general manager Kevin Colbert. The Steelers are only several million dollars below the salary cap, and might be asking Harrison to take a substantial pay cut from his scheduled salaries of $6.57 million in 2013, and $7.575 million in 2014.
| PIT - Still not progress in talks with James Harrison - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers have not made any progress in contract restructuring talks with LB James Harrison and it appears more likely that the team will release Harrison.
Footballguys view: Even if they release Harrison he could stay with the Steelers at a lower price.
| PIT - Have not reached agreement with James Harrison - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reached an impasse in their contract restructuring negotiations with LB James Harrison and may release Harrison in the near future.
| PIT - Coaches want James Harrison back - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers coaching staff wants LB James Harrison to return next season. The Steelers are expected to consider releasing Harrison to open up salary cap space.
Footballguys view: The Steelers could release Harrison to free up cap space and then turn around and sign him at a cheaper price.
| PIT - Have not talked with James Harrison about contract - |
Bill Parise, agent for Pittsburgh Steelers LB James Harrison, said the team has not contacted him about restructuring Harrison's deal or asking Harrison to take a pay cut. Parise believes the team can lower Harrison's cap hit without asking Harrison to take a pay cut.
Footballguys view: The Steelers could create over $5MM in salary cap space if they released Harrison by June 1.
| PIT - James Harrison could be cut - |
Pittsburgh Steelers LB James Harrison could be cut in the offseason. He has a $6.6 million salary, and injuries have slowed him.
Footballguys view: Sources say Harrison would want to explore his options before taking a pay cut to stay with the team.
| PIT - James Harrison expected to be released - |
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to release LB James Harrison this offseason. He is scheduled to count $10 million toward the cap next season.
Footballguys view: He could stick around if he is willing to take a massive pay cut.
| PIT - Nine probable - |
Pittsburgh Steelers CB Cortez Allen (groin), CB Curtis Brown (knee), LB James Harrison (illness), DE Cam Heyward (non-injury), CB Keenan Lewis (hip), SS Troy Polamalu (non-injury), C Maurkice Pouncey (illness), WR Emmanuel Sanders (rib) and DE Al Woods (illness) are probable for Week 16. Allen, Heyward, Polamalu, Sanders and Woods practiced in full Friday, Dec. 21, while the others were limited.
Footballguys view: Lewis's status was in question after he hurt himself stepping in a hole on the practice field (really), but it sounds like he'll be good to go for Sunday. The Steelers shut down AJ Green the last they faced the Bengals, but they are without Ike Taylor, so that will be a harder task this week.
| PIT - Eight probable - |
Pittsburgh Steelers LB LaMarr Woodley (ankle), WR Emmanuel Sanders (shoulder), SS Troy Polamalu (rest), CB Keenan Lewis (hip) and OLB James Harrison (illness) practiced Friday, Dec. 14, and are probable for Week 15. WR Plaxico Burress (rest) was limited, and LS Greg Warren (illness) and ILB Stevenson Sylvester (illness) didn't practice. They're probable as well.
| PIT - Six players sit out practice - |
Pittsburgh Steelers OG Willie Colon (knee), OT Mike X. Adams (ankle), LB James Harrison (illness), CB Cortez Allen (groin), CB Ike Taylor (ankle) and SS Troy Polamalu (non-injury) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 13.
