Harrison had to go

By Mike Bires mbires@timesonline.com | Posted: Sunday, March 10, 2013 12:11 am

Beaver County Times

http://www.timesonline.com

When news broke that James Harrison had been cut, shockwaves reverberated throughout the area. Fans are furious that the ferocious linebacker who wore No. 92 will no longer play for Pittsburgh.

But really, cutting Harrison was the smart thing to do. Football is a business, as Hines Ward found out last year.

The Steelers had no trouble parting ways with their all-time leading receiver and one of the most popular players in franchise history. So it comes as no surprise that they would release Harrison.

Harrison had a terrific run with the Steelers. He was a five-time Pro Bowler who helped them get to two Super Bowls.His performance in 2008, when he earned the Defensive Player of the Year, was one of the greatest by any Steeler defender, and that includes the likes of Hall of Famers Joe Greene, Jack Lambert or Mel Blount. His team-record 16 sacks that season and the 100-yard interception return he had in the Super Bowl are the stuff legends are made of.

But at Harrison’s age – he turns 35 on May 4 – it was time for the Steelers to turn the page. With back and knee injuries in recent years, he’s obviously in decline.

In 13 games last year, Harrison had just six sacks. Granted, he missed the first three games with a knee injury. But six sacks in 13 games is certainly a red flag the Steelers couldn’t ignore.

Of course, money was an issue, too.

Harrison was due to make $6.57 million this year. It’s believed that the Steelers offered him half that, and Harrison refused the pay cut. He believes some team out there will take a gamble on him and offer him the kind of money he wants.

Harrison wouldn’t mind playing for a team with legitimate Super Bowl hopes. He also wouldn’t mind playing in a warm-climate city.

But what if he winds up in Cleveland?

The Browns are reportedly $47 million under the salary cap. They have the money. They also have a new defensive coordinator in Ray Horton, who’s very familiar with Harrison and a 3-4 base defense.

Horton coached the Steelers’ secondary for seven years (2004-10) before becoming the as D-coordinator in Arizona, where he also used a 3-4. The Browns played a 4-3 defense in recent years, but that could change now that Horton is calling the shots.

It’s been reported that the Browns are interested in signing Baltimore outside linebacker Paul Kruger. Might their thinking change now that Harrison is available? Harrison is from Akron.

As for the Steelers, it appears that Jason Worilds is the man who will replace Harrison.

At first glance, that’s not a very promising thought. But Worilds is only 25 and he had five sacks last year in limited action.

Remember, the Steelers gambled on Harrison when they cut Joey Porter in 2007.

The Steelers never regretted cutting Porter. They won’t regret cutting Harrison.