The Pittsburgh Steelers’ cap situation has the team set to face several significant decisions, one in particular involving veteran linebacker
James Harrison. While Harrison’s agent, Bill Parise, said his client is willing
to restructure his contract to help the team, he doesn’t feel as though the
linebacker should have to take a pay cut next season, reports John Harris of
Triblive.com.
“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.”
Harrison turns 35 in May and is set to earn $6.57 million in
2013 and $7.57 million in ’14. Despite Harrison’s track record, this is a
significant investment for a player that is two years removed from multiple
back surgeries and a significant procedure on his knee.
Still, Harrison was a productive player when healthy last
season. In 13 games with the Steelers he recorded 70 tackles, six sacks and two
forced fumbles.
Parise said he’s focusing on working something out so the
linebacker can return to Pittsburgh. However, if an agreement can’t be reached
and the Steelers ultimately decide to cut Harrison, Parise said there will be 31
other teams interested in his client’s services.
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