NFL free agent news: Bengals, James Harrison ‘hit snag’ in talks

Talks between the Cincinnati Bengals and free-agent linebacker James Harrison have hit a snag according to Ian Rapoport.

by JP Starkey

Apr 16, 2013, 8:36 PM UTC

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

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Contract talks between free-agent linebacker James Harrison and the Cincinnati Bengals have "hit a snag," according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

The Bengals hosted Harrison over the weekend, and it appeared that the two sides would agree to a contract. On Sunday, Adam Schefter reported that the Bengals and Harrison were going to attempt to agree to a contract at some point this week -- but so far, the two sides have been unable to agree to terms on a contract.

More: Bengals blog: Cincy Jungle

Harrison was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to the onset of free agency in March. Harrison spent nine seasons in Pittsburgh, and went to the Super Bowl three times with the Steelers -- winning it twice. Harrison was named to the Pro Bowl on five occasions as a member of the Steelers, and was named to the All-Pro team four time.

As he’ll turn 35 before the season begins, Harrison isn’t going to be the same player he was in 2008, when he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Harrison can still provide some pass rush off the edge, however, and recorded six sacks in 13 games last season. In 2011, Harrison recorded nine sacks in 11 games.

Harrison tried to drum up interest for himself after being released, saying it would be great to play alongside Tom Brady in New England, and that he would love to play for the Browns. Neither the Patriots nor the Browns showed much interest in Harrison. Baltimore hosted Harrison, but the Ravens' interest diminished after Ozzie Newsome signed Elvis Dumervil.

Cincinnati presents Harrison with an opportunity to play -- and stick it to his former team. There’s little doubt that Harrison would love nothing more than to beat the team that released him, and help lead the Bengals (or Browns) to a division title -- but the two sides will have to agree to terms before that happens.