FOX Sports Exclusive
Steelers decide to release Harrison
Billick and Davis: Steelers team needs
Share This Story
CIRCLE THE DATE
Now that the NFL's 2013 calendar year has begun, here's what fans have to look forward to.One of the most prolific defensive players in Pittsburgh Steelers history is with the franchise no more.
The Steelers announced Saturday that outside linebacker James Harrison was released.
The move came after Pittsburgh’s front office was unable to reach agreement with Harrison on a restructured contract. Harrison was set to earn $6.57 million in 2013 and the Steelers are struggling with salary cap issues.
“James has been an integral part of our success during his years in Pittsburgh and helped us win two Lombardi Trophies during that time,” Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said in a team-released statement. “We appreciate all of his efforts and wish him the best.”
Harrison expressed similar sentiment on his Twitter account (@jharrison9292) when writing, “It’s been a great run but all good things must come to (an) end. Thank you Steelers Nation I will miss you!”
OPEN MARKET
Who is available? Which teams are in play? Alex Marvez has the answers to your free agency FAQs.Signed as an undrafted college free agent in 2002, Harrison blossomed into the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 after posting a franchise-record 16 sacks. He was an All-Pro selection in 2007, 2008 and 2010 and a key part of the Steelers teams that won Super Bowls XL and XLIII. Harrison’s 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII against Arizona remains a Super Bowl record.
Harrison, though, is now 35 years old and is coming off a six-sack season marred by injury. Jason Worilds, who is entering his fourth NFL season with the Steelers, is the frontrunner to replace Harrison in the starting lineup.
Harrison should find an interested suitor on a free-agent market that is thin for 3-4 outside linebackers with good pass-rush skills.
More Stories From Alex Marvez
Trending Now
-
Castroneves: Indy 500 win trumps sex
Helio Castroneves has won the Indianapolis 500 three times since he burst onto the In... -
McLouth catch earns thrown beverage
Baltimore Orioles left fielder Nate McLouth makes catch, falls into stands in Toronto... -
Four HRs propel Angels over Royals
Mike Trout and Albert Pujols hit solo home runs, and Mark Trumbo hit a two-run shot t... -
Ray Lewis to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Sure, Ray Lewis has played at Mile High Stadium. But that's nothing compared with his... -
Kings a win from conference finals
Jonathan Quick made 24 saves in his seventh career playoff shutout, and the Los Angel...
NFL Videos
RG3: 'I want to be ready for Week 1'
Posted: May 24, 2013
Robert Griffin III on rehabbing his injured knee and preparing to play Week 1.
Robert Griffin III on rehabbing his injured knee and preparing to play Week 1.
Horrow: SF gets Super Bowl, Miami shut out
Posted: May 23, 2013
Rick Horrow explains why the NFL went with San Francisco and Houston while South...
Rick Horrow explains why the NFL went with San Francisco and Houston while South...
Billick and Jones: Players primed to perform
Posted: May 23, 2013
Brian Billick and Taylor Jones have young players primed for big seasons.
Brian Billick and Taylor Jones have young players primed for big seasons.
NFL Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike New York Jets Just Do It T-Shirt - Green - | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_New_York_Jets/browse/featuredproduct/800466/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_800000/ff_800466_xl.jpg&w=100 | 27.95 | Nike New York Jets Just Do It T-Shirt - Green - |
| Nike Pittsburgh Steelers Just Do It T-Shirt - Gold | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Pittsburgh_Steelers/browse/featuredproduct/800489/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_800000/ff_800489_xl.jpg&w=100 | 27.95 | Nike Pittsburgh Steelers Just Do It T-Shirt - Gold |
| Nike San Francisco 49ers Blockbuster T-Shirt - Scarlet | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_San_Francisco_49ers/browse/featuredproduct/801102/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_801000/ff_801102_xl.jpg&w=100 | 27.95 | Nike San Francisco 49ers Blockbuster T-Shirt - Scarlet |
| Nike Calvin Johnson Detroit Lions Game Jersey - Light Blue | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Detroit_Lions/browse/featuredproduct/825450/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_825000/ff_825450_xl.jpg&w=100 | 99.95 | Nike Calvin Johnson Detroit Lions Game Jersey - Light Blue |
| Nike Rob Gronkowski New England Patriots Game Jersey - Navy Blue | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_New_England_Patriots/browse/featuredproduct/825465/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_825000/ff_825465_xl.jpg&w=100 | 99.95 | Nike Rob Gronkowski New England Patriots Game Jersey - Navy Blue |
| Nike Eli Manning New York Giants Womens Game Jersey - Royal Blue | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_New_York_Giants/browse/featuredproduct/830781/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_830000/ff_830781_xl.jpg&w=100 | 94.95 | Nike Eli Manning New York Giants Womens Game Jersey - Royal Blue |
| Nike Peyton Manning Denver Broncos Game Jersey - Orange | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Denver_Broncos/browse/featuredproduct/845755/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_845000/ff_845755_xl.jpg&w=100 | 99.95 | Nike Peyton Manning Denver Broncos Game Jersey - Orange |
| Nike Justin Blackmon Jacksonville Jaguars Draft Game Jersey - Teal | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Jacksonville_Jaguars/browse/featuredproduct/851602/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_851000/ff_851602_xl.jpg&w=100 | 49.99 | Nike Justin Blackmon Jacksonville Jaguars Draft Game Jersey - Teal |
| New Era Green Bay Packers On-Field Performance 59FIFTY Fitted Hat - Green | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Green_Bay_Packers/browse/featuredproduct/853845/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_853000/ff_853845_xl.jpg&w=100 | 34.95 | New Era Green Bay Packers On-Field Performance 59FIFTY Fitted Hat - Green |
| New Era New Orleans Saints On-Field Performance 59FIFTY Fitted Hat - Black | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_New_Orleans_Saints/browse/featuredproduct/853852/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_853000/ff_853852_xl.jpg&w=100 | 34.95 | New Era New Orleans Saints On-Field Performance 59FIFTY Fitted Hat - Black |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "Post comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be Polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.