Steelers linebacker James Harrison is willing to restructure his contract but not a pay cut and that could make him an ex-Steeler, John Harris of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. Harrison won't take a pay cut, however, and that stubborn streak could make him an ex-Steeler. Harrison is scheduled to earn $6.57 million in 2013 and $7.57 million in '14, that's a big salary-cap number for a pass-rusher who turns 35 in May, is coming off knee surgery a year ago and is two years removed from two back surgeries. Harrison may be banged up, but it's shortsighted to label him oldbecause he's better than most of the young linebackers on the roster, who can't beat him out and he's still good when he isn't playing every down, but the Steelers aren't paying him all that money to be a part-time player. “I don't think anybody would argue at the end of the season that James Harrison was the best linebacker the Steelers had,†said agent Bill Parise, who represents Harrison. “There's no list (of prospective teams),†Parise said. “We're not talking about it. We've certainly not even gone down that road. James loves Pittsburgh. I think the reason people are talking about James is because he's a higher salary guy.†At the same time, Parise said the Steelers made no assurances they won't release Harrison. “Could it happen? It certainly could. The NFL can cut any player at any time,†Parise said. “Having said that, if James Harrison was released, there would be 31 NFL teams interested in him. “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.†Source: The Redzone
I'll assume he's referring to OLB, because Timmons was easily the best linebacker from beginning to end of season. Harrison was without a doubt the best OLB on the roster at the end of the season, and he wasn't even 100%. Can't blame him for not taking a pay cut, I don't think I would either.
