Cincinnati Bengals will Work to Sign Former Pittsburgh Steeler James Harrison on Monday
October 7, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) reacts as he takes the field against the Philadelphia Eagles at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 16-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Bengals could be on the verge of making their biggest free agent signing this offseason, as well as in recent memory, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, the Cincinnati Bengals and free agent linebacker James Harrison could agree to a deal and hammer out a contract on Monday:
Original plan was for #Bengals/James Harrison to meet Sunday to hammer out a contract. Now they'll meet Monday & work on contract/details
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 14, 2013
I do. After 24 hours with Cincy coaches, all sides wanted it to happen RT @Bengals4life83: @RapSheet You think Harrison signs with bengals?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 14, 2013
Harrison’s 64 career sacks is the 14th-most by any active players, and after notching 6 sacks in 13 games in 2012, he clearly still has something left in the tank from a pass-rushing standpoint.
A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Harrison has earned two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers in Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII, and would bring invaluable experience and leadership to a team hoping to become contenders in 2013.
The Bengals are looking for someone to take over the SAM linebacker after letting Manny Lawson go in free agency. Harrison would “at worst” be a slight upgrade over Lawson.
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