Failure to agree on financial terms sees Steelers and Harrison part ways.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have parted company with linebacker James Harrison after failing to agree on new terms for a deal, as confirmed by NFL.com.
Harrison was one of the most feared defenders in the league during his stint in Pittsburgh, earning five consecutive Pro Bowl invites between 2007 and 2011.
He sealed the Defensive Player of the Year award back in 2008 and helped the Steelers to two Lombardi trophies during his time with the franchise.
The 34-year-old had 60 sacks between 2007-2012 but had just six last season and nine in 2011, as age and injury meant that his contribution had been on the wane in recent years.
Accounting for $10m on the salary cap, the Steelers were keen to restructure his deal with money being tied to incentives. However, Harrison was pushing for more of his salary to be guaranteed, leading to the failure to come to an agreement.
The Steelers were $1.4m over the adjusted salary cap, but following Harrison’s release will now fall under and provide some relief to look toward bringing in some reinforcements.
Harrison tweeted:
Harrison revealed his belief that he still has at least three years left in the game and would ideally like to join a Super Bowl contender. However, he is keen to leave his options open for now as he pictures life outside of Pittsburgh.
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