After years of beating the Cincinnati Bengals as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, linebacker James Harrison will cross over and play for the other side. Harrison signed a two-year deal with the Bengals over the weekend, and the rest of the team is excited to have him aboard.
Bengals players excited by addition of James Harrison
Cincinnati players are feeling good after adding their longtime divisional nemesis.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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"I think it's an awesome signing," defensive tackle Domata Peko said in a text. "You know we have a great defense here already, so to add a person like that to our defense is awesome. He brings a lot of toughness, experience and swagger. We just got better as a team today."
Harrison was cut by the Steelers back in early March and was linked to the Bengals almost right away. However, the deal took some time to come together, and at times looked like it would never happen. Harrison will line up as the SAM linebacker when Cincinnati is in the 3-4, replacing Manny Lawson, who left as a free agent to sign with the Buffalo Bills. The Bengals were already third in the NFL in sacks in 2012 with 51, so their already-potent pass rush should take a step forward in 2013.
The Bengals host the Steelers on Monday night in Week 2, so Harrison will get an early chance to make his former team regret releasing him.
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