Steelers and Harrisons' agent talking

[supersteeler]

Steelers discuss contract renegotiation with Harrison
March 5, 2013 4:35 pm
inShare. By Ed Bouchette / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Steelers have have been discussing the contract situation of James Harrison with his agent, Bill Parise, to try to reduce the linebacker's salary cap hit for 2013.

Harrison, who will be 35 in two months, is scheduled to make salaries of $6.57 million this season and $7.575 million in 2014 in the final two years of his contract.

Parise did not say if those discussions include a request by the Steelers for a reduction in salary or a restructured contract that could spread out the salary cap hit this year with an extension that neither side would expect to be fulfilled.

"We're talking," Parise said. "Both sides want to try to do something. We're trying to common ground."


Read more: [url]http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/steelers-discuss-contract-renegotiation-with-harrison-677997/#ixzz2Mi236qZy[/url]

[Sugar]

This is good to hear. The team doesn't seem to have anyone behind Deebo and IMO, the D played better as he got healthier last year. Lord willing, he won't be having knee surgery right before the season starts this year so he will be a force to reckon with.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

Crunch time! Your ball Silverback!

[squidkid]

the talks should be one-sided.
'deebo, either play for a lot less or pack your bags'

[Djfan]

This is good to hear. The team doesn't seem to have anyone behind Deebo and IMO, the D played better as he got healthier last year. Lord willing, he won't be having knee surgery right before the season starts this year so he will be a force to reckon with.

Agreed. Let's make this happen!!!

[phillyesq]

I could see something along the lines of guaranteeing Harrison's salary this year at a lower number, while adding some dummy years to the end of the contract to lower his cap hit. Essentially, a salary reduction that is structured differently so that Harrison and Parise do not have to present it as a reduction.

[supersteeler]

At this point they are only talking, but if they come up with a way to rework his contract so he remains a Steeler the defense is better with him. I wouldn't get my hopes up, but it appears both sides want to make it happen so we'll see how serious both side are in this matter.
I anticipate we'll be hearing more by the weekend or early next week not only James but some of the other players.


[url]http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/3604003-74/harrison-steelers-cap#axzz2MlUWe32G[/url]

[papillon]

the talks should be one-sided.
'deebo, either play for a lot less or pack your bags'

I'm glad you aren't the negotiator for the Steelers. Why would you come to the negotiating table with that attitude towards one of the most respected Steelers by the fans, teammates and front office? And, to a player whio has never taken a play off if he's on the field? That would just cause the negotiations to be contentious and unproductive. James and Parise know that a cut is proably going to have to happen, they need to determine how much they are willing to cut and then begin the negotiations.

Coming to the table with the sledgehammer isn't getting anything accomplished.

Pappy

[squidkid]

I'm glad you aren't the negotiator for the Steelers. Why would you come to the negotiating table with that attitude towards one of the most respected Steelers by the fans, teammates and front office? And, to a player whio has never taken a play off if he's on the field? That would just cause the negotiations to be contentious and unproductive. James and Parise know that a cut is proably going to have to happen, they need to determine how much they are willing to cut and then begin the negotiations.

Coming to the table with the sledgehammer isn't getting anything accomplished.

Pappy

wouldnt you think that logic goes both ways?
wasnt it harrison, thru his agent, that said he would not play for less but would only consider a restructure just a week or so ago?
where's the respect for an organization that paid you millions and gave you multiple chances to make it in the nfl?
maybe hes never taken a play off while in a game but he sure took off mini camp, otas, preseason and part of regular to rehab of his knee that he should have had taken care of after the denver loss. harrison would have a whole lot more leverage if he played the entire season instead of vacationing during the beginning

that said, im all for bringing him back at a reasonable amount

[Chadman]

Some people won't be satisfied until all the starters are removed & replaced with the much higher skilled, but under-used back-ups.

[Sugar]

Some people won't be satisfied until all the starters are removed & replaced with the much higher skilled, but under-used back-ups.

In most NFL cities they say that the backup QB is the most popular guy in town. With the Steelers it's ALL the backups, LOL.

[papillon]

wouldnt you think that logic goes both ways?
wasnt it harrison, thru his agent, that said he would not play for less but would only consider a restructure just a week or so ago?
where's the respect for an organization that paid you millions and gave you multiple chances to make it in the nfl?
maybe hes never taken a play off while in a game but he sure took off mini camp, otas, preseason and part of regular to rehab of his knee that he should have had taken care of after the denver loss. harrison would have a whole lot more leverage if he played the entire season instead of vacationing during the beginning

that said, im all for bringing him back at a reasonable amount

If James Harrison's work ethic is vacationing to you then there really isn't much more that I can add to this debate. I'm certain either his doctor or the Steeler doctor instructed him to wait prior to actually having the surgery. Allowing an injury to heal on its own is the preferred remedy not going under the knife. Once he had the surgery he rehabbed and got back on the field as quickly as possible. I'm not sure where the "he took off mini camp, otas and preseason" comes from, but you're entitled.

Every player postures prior to negotiations and that's all he was doing. He knows, his agent knows and the Steelers know that a cut is really the only way for this to work for the Steelers. Like I said, he needs to decide how much of a cut he's willing to take to continue playing for the Steelers or he'll in all likelihood be playing elsewhere in 2013.

Pappy

[grotonsteel]

I hope they bring back James Harrison but at a discount rate. I think he has 2 years still left in his tank if his snaps are reduced.

Draft Jarvis Jones if he is available in Rd 1 and let him take over Harrison spot in 2014.

[supersteeler]

Personally I would like to see Harrison remain a Steeler, but at the same time realize the Steelers have a cap issue to contend with not only this year but in the future as well.
He said he isn't willing to take a pay cut of his 6.75 mill, but I don't see how the Steelers can restructure without making their cap hit worse in 2014 and beyond. Maybe they have a way but I don't see it.
As good as James is I don't see another team willing to pay him almost 7 mill a year, so in the end James might want to rethink his options.
Lets say the Steelers offer 4.5 mill, does he turn that down?

Has anyone here thought the reason James is refusing a pay cut is because of Lamar Woodley? He's probably thinking why ask me only and not him. We all know Lamar underperformed even when he was healthier so I wonder if this has anything to do with Harrison's stance.

[JUST-PLAIN-NASTY]

CUT NOW: 2013 HIT $4.9 MIL (DEAD MONEY) CAP SAVINGS $5.1 MIL 2014 CAP HIT $0

CONVERT 5.5 OF BASE & ADD YEAR: 2013 HIT $6.4 MIL CAP SAVINGS $3.6 MIL 2014 CAP HIT CUT $5.1 MIL (DEAD MONEY) 2014 CAP SAVINGS $3.9 MIL 2015 CAP HIT $0


Ugly either way. I guess it is a matter of when you need the money and when you want to clear the books.


Here is what I would offer him:
PAY CUT 4 MIL OF BASE: 2013 HIT $6 MIL CAP SAVINGS $4 MIL

Incentive for 2013: (Lead team in sacks ADD $2 mil) (Finish in Top 4 in TOT ADD $1 mil) (Start 14 games ADD $1 mil) (Injury Clause IR before week 9 ADD 1 mil)

If he hits all incentives: 2014 CAP HIT CUT $5.4 MIL (DEAD MONEY) 2014 CAP SAVINGS $3.6 MIL 2015 CAP HIT $0