Free agent linebacker James Harrison had a tough decision on his hands.
Would he come back to the franchise he was loyal to or follow the coach he has been loyal to his entire career.
After some wavering the past 24 hours the team won out.
The Steelers announced on Sunday that they have come to terms on a two-year deal with Harrison, keeping the soon to be 37-year old in Pittsburgh. Financial terms of the deal were not announced.
Harrison, who announced his retirement prior to returning last season, didn’t have much of a market similar to last season. But unlike last summer, which left him without a team, he did have two options on the table to continue his playing career.
The veteran had to decide on the Steelers and following LeBeau to the Tennessee Titans.
Harrison wrote on Instagram Saturday night:
“The opinions of my support team are split, but for me, my love for the man who both started, and made my career what it is, is undeniable,” Harrison wrote. “There are no words that I can find that would do justice for everything Dick LeBeau has done for me & my career and nothing can compare to that! I also have a great amount of love for Steelers Nation & the Steelers organization. I’m going to pray on this and let God guide me in the right direction.”
While the five-time Pro Bowler clearly isn’t the player he was during his prime, he did show last season that he can still be an effective pass rusher from time to time, totaling 5.5 sacks and 45 tackles over 11 games.
Playing time likely was a factor in Harrison’s decision.
The Steelers have very limited options at outside linebacker with only Jarvis Jones and Arthur Moats under contract prior to Harrison’s signing. Harrison would get a lot more playing time with the Steelers than with the Titans, especially after Tennessee re-signed outside linebacker Derrick Morgan and also signed Brian Orakpo earlier this month.
Harrison, originally an undrafted free agent out of Kent State, signed with the Steelers in 2002 and has appeared in 157 regular season games. He was at his best when he earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2007-11 as a Steeler while helping lead the team to two Super Bowl titles. Harrison is tied for first in Steelers history with 17 multi-sack games and is second with 69.5 sacks.
While veterans Ike Taylor, Brett Keisel and Troy Polamalu won’t be with the organization any longer, Harrison, a longtime fan favorite, will be continuing his career wearing the black and gold.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
