With the Pittsburgh Steelers facing salary cap troubles this offseason, linebacker James Harrison is willing to rework his contract. Harrison is scheduled to earn $6.57 million in 2013 and $7.57 million in 2014 and although he is willing to restructure, he is unwilling to take a pay cut which may make it hard to keep him in Pittsburgh.
James Harrison willing to restructure deal to stay with Steelers
With the Pittsburgh Steelers facing salary cap problems, linebacker James Harrison is willing to restructure his dealing, but he is not willing to take a pay cut.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Harrison, 35, has been with the Steelers for his entire NFL career, making five consecutive Pro Bowls from 2007-2011. The 2008 Defensive Player of the Year is one of the most popular players in Pittsburgh and a team leader, but if the two sides can’t find a way to reduce his $6.5 million salary next season Harrison could be on his way out.
For more on this story, visit Behind the Steel Curtain
The Steelers are roughly $14 million over the 2013 salary cap and will need to make significant moves to get back under the cap. Harrison is due the fourth highest salary on the team in 2013 at a number higher than the Steelers can afford and if Pittsburgh was to cut him they would save $5.1 million in cap relief. They will need to restructure several contracts and cut players in order to get below the cap.
Although there is a financial gain from cutting Harrison, he remains one of the Steelers top linebackers, making it a hard decision. Last season, Harrison missed the first three games of the season due to a knee injury, but he recorded 49 tackles and six sacks in 13 games. Both totals were the lowest since Harrison’s breakout season in 2007, but still solid numbers for an outside linebacker.
Through his years of high-level performance and emotional leadership on the field, Harrison will be best remembered for making one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history. In Super Bowl XLIII, Harrison intercepted Kurt Warner on the goal line at the end of the first half and took the ball 100 yards down the field for the score. That play would cement Harrison's place as a Steelers' legend and prove to be the difference in the game as the Steelers defeated the Cardinals 27-23.
Despite Harrison’s significant impact on the history of the Steelers, football decisions can’t be made from an emotional standpoint. Pittsburgh would love to keep Harrison, but to do so they’ll almost certainly need him to come in at a lower cap number than $6.5 million in 2013. Neil Coolong of Behind the Steel Curtain believes Harrison will have to accept less money to stay in Pittsburgh.
It’s an unfortunate reality, but the only way it seems Harrison will be with the Steelers in 2013 is if he accepts a deal like nose tackle Casey Hampton signed last year, which essentially cut his salary and guaranteed him one more season.
Meanwhile Harrison’s agent Bill Parise hopes a new deal can be reached to keep Harrison in Pittsburgh, but isn’t willing to take less money, “Can we help the Steelers by restructuring James’ contract? We’re certainly willing to do that. Do we need to take less money? I don’t think so. Personally, I think he’s a bargain.”
If Pittsburgh lets Harrison walk, where would they turn for a replacement? Jason Worilds has been Harrison's backup, but the 24-year-old has injury concerns of his own. Last season the former second-round pick recorded 23 tackles and five sacks and is certainly a cheaper option than Harrison.
The Steelers could also use the 17th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft to find a replacement for Harrison, but they have several holes to fill, particularly along both lines. Mocking the Draft has Pittsburgh selecting Alabama defensive tackle Jesse Williams out of Alabama. With so many needs, the Steelers would like to not have to worry about addressing their linebackers via the draft, but if Harrison doesn’t take a pay cut, it could force their hand.
See More:
