James Harrison is no longer the biggest bargain in the NFL. His fantastic 2008 season (in which he won Defensive Player of the Year) came at a cost of $1.4 million, the absolute definition of a steal. Harrison had one more year on his contract but he naturally wanted a raise - the Steelers were more than willing to negotiate.Today, the two sides finally agreed to a new deal. The new contract keeps Harrison under Steelers control for another six years, and even though Harrison is 30, he still has a relatively young football body - he only has two seasons as a full-time starter. It is unlikely that he plays until he is 36, but regardless he is under the team's control.
There were suggestions that the team should trade Harrison (from ProFootballTalk.com) and some thought the Steelers would not given big-time money to a linebacker at the age of 30. Both were possible - the Steelers just released fan favorite Joey Porter a couple years ago instead of giving him a new deal. The Pittsburgh Steelers produce linebackers like Hollywood produces movies, so it would make sense for the Steelers to go with a younger, cheaper player after Harrison leaves in 2010.
Now, however, Harrison is going nowhere. The deal itself is fantastic; I am in the camp that anything over 6 years is ridiculous, unless the player is a franchise player. 6 years is a high number for a 30 year old linebacker, but he most likely will not see all 6 years of the deal in a Steelers uniform. The team obviously does not feel comfortable with the possibility of using another draft pick on a linebacker or throwing 2008 draft pick Bruce Davis into a starting role.
And a little perspective: Harrison, the defensive player of the year, signed for 6 years, $51.75 million ($20 million guaranteed). DeAngelo Hall signed for 6 years, $55 million ($23 million guaranteed). Does anyone consider Hall a franchise player?
(Photo: NFL)
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