Harrison Gone

[steelz09]

That group of starters got the Steelers 8-8. I don't see how their loss is that huge, unless you think they were the key to the 8 wins.

Lewis was the one bright spot this year. Letting one of your better, younger players walk after he's finally is developed into a starter is moronic. You can't do that as an organization.

When Harrison finally got healthy towards the end of the year, I saw the old James. It was obvious his knee was problematic early on and it took him awhile to get healthy. He fought thru it but obviously it had an impact on his game.

It sucks... Harrison probably has 1-2 solid years left IMO but I would say Ike has 1 solid year left (at most). If I had to pay 9 million for a player, there is no doubt I take Harrison over Ike.

[supersteeler]

It's going to seem odd seeing Silverback in a Brown or Green Bay uniform, wish the guy the best he will be missed
Btw, If he does play for another team and we play that team, could you imagine James and Gilbert against each other?

[NorthCoast]

Everyone keeps pointing to Harrison's injuries as his reason for a down season, and that is just the point. The guy had a back problem that could flair at any moment, especially at his age and the way he uses his body in rushing. Can't keep complaining that the Steelers are paying for old farts past their prime, but then chastise them for letting them go. If we sign him and he misses 4 games this season, would you say it was still worth it? When exactly do you say enough?

[thor75]

Tough loss for sure. Time to restructure Woodley's deal so we don't lose Foster or Lewis as well.

[Jooser]

James Harrison tweets his goodbye to the Steelers

Posted by Darin Gantt on March 9, 2013, 11:50 AM EST
AP
For days, it’s been clear the Steelers and [URL="http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/665/james-harrison"]James Harrison[/URL] weren’t getting anywhere in talks about lowering his salary/cap hit.

So now the inevitable has apparently happened, with Harrison tweeting out his goodbye to Steelers fans.

It's been a great run but all good things must come to a end. Thank you Steelers Nation I will miss you all!
—
James Harrison (@jharrison9292) [URL="http://twitter.com/#%21/jharrison9292/status/310431134079131648"]March 09, 2013[/URL]

Harrison played well when he got well last year, but approaching 35 years old and with a $6.57 million salary, the Steelers did what they have done so many times — they walked away from one of their own sooner rather than later.

[hawaiiansteel]

Sucks. Don't know that he's replaceable.

unfortunately, this is the harsh reality of professional football. tough decisions have to be made if we are going to be able to keep our younger players like Keenan Lewis, this was one of them.

time for Jason Worilds to step up, hopefully he can stay healthy.

[DukieBoy]

It's going to seem odd seeing Silverback in a Brown or Green Bay uniform, wish the guy the best he will be missed
Btw, If he does play for another team and we play that team, could you imagine James and Gilbert against each other?

Gilbert will be on his back all day, or laying across somebody's injured legs.
This is tough. James has been a great Steeler. The business of football is rough.

[hawaiiansteel]

Steelers release James Harrison

Updated: March 9, 2013
ESPN.com news services

James Harrison, unable to reach an agreement on a restructured contract, was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.

Harrison had been trying to rework his contract that was set to pay him $6.57 million this season. The 34-year-old was set to make $7.6 million in 2014. By releasing Harrison, the Steelers create $5.105 million in cap room.

"It's been a great run but all good things must come to a end," Harrison wrote on Twitter. "Thank you Steelers Nation I will miss you all!"

One of the reasons (besides money) why the Steelers may have released 5-time Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison is because of declining production.

Season Sacks Games

2012 6 13

2011 9 11

2010 10.5 16

2009 10 16

2008 16 15*

*AP Defensive Player of Year

Harrison, known for his hard hits and penchant for fines, was slowed by injuries last season and registered six sacks, his lowest total since he became a full-time starter in 2007.

"We have informed James Harrison that we have released him," Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said. "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."

The NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 when he collected 16 sacks, Harrison won two Super Bowls with the Steelers and has been one of the most popular players in franchise history.

"James has played a major role in the success of this organization during his time in Pittsburgh," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "I appreciate everything he has done in my six years as head coach and wish him nothing but the best in the future."

Harrison's signature play with the Steelers came in a Super Bowl XLIII win over the Arizona Cardinals when he returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown.

Harrison, who signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2002, ranks fourth in franchise history with 64 sacks.

[URL]http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9034415/james-harrison-released-pittsburgh-steelers[/URL]

[BigRob]

Pretty sure there still isn't enough money in the bank to re-sign Lewis. The Steelers need to clear $7m under the cap just to re-sign the RFA's & ERFA's. With Harrison's release, they are about $4m under. That means $3m more must be found just to get the RFA/ERFA's signed. Then they can concentrate on Lewis....

Add 4 to 5 million to that for draft picks. They have to clear at least 3 million before Tuesday and another 4 to 5 million on top of that before the draft.

[BigRob]

Tough loss for sure. Time to restructure Woodley's deal so we don't lose Foster or Lewis as well.

Foster isn't getting re-signed. He is the complete opposite of what Haley and the new offensive line coach like in an o-lineman.

[williar]

damn, damn, DAMN!!! Don't know where this is all going but I hate it....Another great steeler put out to the pasture. Hope the FO has a plan.

[hawaiiansteel]

damn, damn, DAMN!!! Don't know where this is all going but I hate it....Another great steeler put out to the pasture. Hope the FO has a plan.

I'm sure they do...

[SteelBucks]

damn, damn, DAMN!!! Don't know where this is all going but I hate it....Another great steeler put out to the pasture. Hope the FO has a plan.

The moves the past two off seasons were inevitable. It was an aging, high salary team that needed to be rebuilt. The only question is how long will the rebuilding take.

Thanks for the memories James....it was a great run!

[Eddie Spaghetti]

Foster isn't getting re-signed. He is the complete opposite of what Haley and the new offensive line coach like in an o-lineman.

you sure about that?

numerous reports say the steelers will make him an offer.

[flippy]

you sure about that?

numerous reports say the steelers will make him an offer.

I've heard they're planning to extend him as well. But it doesn't make a lot of sense given where they claim to be going offensively. Foster is built like Max Starks. Neither fit where they want to go. Even if they keep Foster, the long term plan has to be for him to be a swing backup once they get a more athletic lineman in his slot.