The Pittsburgh Steelers have informed outside linebacker James Harrison of his release. According to John Clayton of ESPN releasing Harrison will save the Steelers $5.15 million against the cap in 2013 and has put them at $6.6 million under the cap currently.
According to Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL Network the Steelers and Harrison worked hard to come to an agreement, but it just didn’t work out. The Steelers wanted to put too much money into incentive bonuses and Harrison believed that he deserved more guaranteed money.
Ultimately the Steelers were forced to cut Harrison due to their salary cap issues. It has been long rumored that Harrison would be a cap casualty during the 2013 off-season. As far back as last off-season many were talking about the move, but one of the hardest things about being a fan is saying goodbye to great players.
” I appreciate everything he has done in my six years as head coach and wish him nothing but the best in the future” -Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said about the release of Harrison.
“We have informed James Harrison that we have released him. James has been an integral part of our success during his years in Pittsburgh and has helped us win two Lombardi trophies during that time. We appreciate all of his efforts and wish him the best,” added Steelers GM Kevin Colbert.
During his 10 years with the Steelers Harrison played in 131 games and totaled 451 tackles, 64 sacks, 29 forced fumbles, 5 interceptions and won the defensive player of the year award in 2008. Harrison also holds the record for the longest play from scrimmage in Super Bowl history with a 100 yard interception returned for a touchdown against the Cardinals in Super Bowl 43.
Right now the most logical option to replace Harrison is Jason Worilds. The Steelers are also expected to target an outside linebacker early in the draft; especially with the release of James Harrison.
