What seemed like a natural fit might not be coming together quite as smoothly as expected.
According to Mike Garafolo of USA Today, negotiations between linebacker James Harrison and the Bengals are “not going well,” and not much progress has been made.
It looked like a deal was close earlier this week, but close might have meant 95 percent.
Harrison needs a gig after being cut by the Steelers in lieu of a pay cut he should have taken, and he was already stood up by the Ravens after they found a younger alternative in Elvis Dumervil. So if the Bengals deal falls through, he’ll either have to beg the Browns for a chance, or leave the division he’s always known.
The Bengals have also talked to veteran Karlos Dansby, so they have most of the leverage in this deal. But there’s an understandable draw for the former Steelers star, at least among Bengals players.
“He hates the Steelers now, and that’s somebody we need on our side,” defensive end Carlos Dunlap said.
Of course, it appears he’s going to have to come to peace with the Bengals terms if he wants a chance to stick it to his old team.