Linebacker James Harrison said this week that he’d like to return to the Steelers after spending the 2013 season as a member of the Bengals and such a reunion does not appear to be out of the question.
Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that there is “mutual attraction” between the team and player and that the Steelers have talked about bringing Harrison back to the place where he made five Pro Bowls. It’s not clear how close they might be to talking about a deal with Harrison rather than among themselves, but Bouchette says it is “quite possible” that things work out for Harrison and the Steelers.
With Jason Worilds and Jarvis Jones installed at outside linebacker, the Steelers wouldn’t be looking for Harrison to fill a starting role with the team. Harrison didn’t do much as a pass rusher last season, but did well against the run and is already familiar with Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme. That’s likely appealing to the Steelers as Chris Carter is their most experienced backup at the position right now.
And, as Bouchette points out, the Steelers would be at very little financial risk if the end of camp rolls around and Harrison hasn’t shown he can handle a defensive role with the team during the season.