Was releasing James Harrison a mistake?
As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, the Steelers released linebacker James Harrison this morning.
Harrison had spent the past 9 seasons with the Steelers, and is one of their best linebackers of all-time. His interception during Super Bowl XLIII will always be a part of Steelers’ lore. And who could ever forget when he body slammed that Cleveland Browns fan.
Harrison slams Browns fan
Harrison instilled fear in opponents, much like great Steelers of the past like Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Mel Blount, Greg Lloyd, Joey Porter, and even Jerome Bettis. He worked hard, and hit even harder. Steeler Nation couldn’t have asked for a more ideal player than James Harrison.
But all good things must come to an end, and Harrison’s time with the Steelers is doing just that. But the question is “was it a good decision?”
Harrison will be 35 years old next season, which is ancient for an NFL player. And Harrison’s sack totals have dropped steadily over the past 3 seasons. He had 10.5 sacks in 2010, 9 in 2011, and only 6 in 2012. So it would appear that Harrison’s production has been on the decline. But that’s not necessarily true.
Yes, Harrison did only have 6 sacks in 2012, but that’s because he was slow to recover from knee surgery. He got steadily better as the season progressed. In fact, if you break down the 2012 season, you’ll see that Harrison had only one sack in his first 6 games following the injury. But in the final seven games, he had 5 sacks. That’s a pretty good pace. In fact, it projects to 11.5 sacks over a full 16 game season. Harrison has only exceeded 11.5 sacks one time in his entire career.
Harrison sacks Flacco
I understand that the real reason the Steelers had to cut Harrison was for salary cap reasons, and not productivity reasons. Harrison was scheduled to make $6.57 million in 2013, and $7.57 million in 2014, and the Steelers needed to free up salary cap space. But let’s face it, the Steelers’ linebacker who isn’t earning his big paycheck wears #56, not #92. But of course, LaMarr Woodley is only 28 years old, and that’s far too young to give up on him. So instead, James Harrison is no longer a Steeler.
As much as I hate to say it, I actually agree with the Steelers’ decision. Just as I agreed with their decision to get rid of James Farrior last year. You can’t build a team with 35 year old players. It’s impractical from an age standpoint, and from a salary standpoint. Younger players are usually cheaper, and have many more years left in their career. So it’s time for Jason Worilds to step up and prove why the Steelers drafted him so high.
If the Steelers use the available cap space to sign Keenan Lewis, it will make losing Harrison easier to bear. But even if they don’t do so, I still think Kevin Colbert did the right thing.
What do you readers think? Was cutting James Harrison a smart business move, or a big mistake?
It is a sad day. We no longer have a thumper in the heart of our defense. I agree Harrison will have another good year or two left in him but unlike Farrior, he is unlikely to be able to play 16-game seasons. We simply do not have a choice given our cap situation. I think keeping Keenan Lewis is critical but will not be possible without another cut (beyond the expected Wallace and Mendenhall). Probably Casey Hampton must go to make the needed room.
1I am so upset that the Steelers Nation is given up James Harrison. He is one of the hardest hitting player on the Steelers team. Don’t get me wrong yes Woodley is young, but, James has wisdom. I think it is a big mistake to let him go. Besides the Steelers need a QB Ben is getting sloppy, holding the ball to long, given up runs that he can take. Like he could have ran that 4 yards, but he didn’t and that cost the Steelers the game. Get a QB that is quick and have speed when they run. I’m a Steelers fan always, have been one since I was lil gurl.
2It was definitely a business decision and not a production decision but since harrison is cut colon needs to be the next in line. Ive played more games in the nfl in the last three years then he has (joke) and he is scheduled to make like 5 mil. As dan reisner said this is a sad day.
3He’s 35 and injury prone. Add in the Steelers’ lack of cap room and other priorities (Lewis), This was not surprising.
Alright Woodley and Worlids, time to step up. I would imagine the Steelers grabbing a rush LB in the draft.
4I agree with everyone: a sad day. He should have been MVP in Superbowl XLIII. But age and slowed production make it a good move. He didn’t help himself waiting so long to get his knee fixed last season either.
Worilds?!? Gulp.
I hope they draft someone too, but it usually takes a guy one season minimum to learn the system/ how to move from DE to 3-4 OLB. Woodley, back when he didn’t suck, was able to start his second season in the league.
I hear Goodell is going to fine whoever lines up in Harrison’s old spot, just for old times sake.
5As much as I hate to see it happen, I think it was the right move… though I haven’t been this sad since they cut Levon Kirkland way back in the day… Harrison was one of my favorites to watch over the last seven years and no one else will be able to match his ferocity or productivity, plain and simple!
6Honestly, I am torn.
I tend to agree that Harrison likely has one year left in him. And that is a big thing. Harrison has “IT.” That uncanny ability to make, as Mike Tomlin said, “big plays in a timely manner.” Super Bowl XLIII is the obvious example, but hardly the only one. While you need talent and preparation to do that, there’s also something of an innate ability. Something that’s hard to replace.
But the Steelers need to invest in youth. I don’t think the extra cash will allow them to even resign Keenan Lewis. But the Steelers can’t keep restructuring contracts in perpetuity.
The Steelers apparently were asking for a 30% salary reduction with the opportunity for Harrison to earn it back via incentives – that’s quite reasonable.
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