James Harrison Deal Is Done

[Kevin Greene]

James Harrison Deal Is Done

Posted by Mike Florio on April 13, 2009, 11:47 a.m.

The Steelers have re-signed linebacker James Harrison, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

It’s a six-year, $51.75 million contract, per Bouchette.

Harrison also will receive $20 million in “bonus money.” It’s unclear whether this means that the “bonus money” is guaranteed.

On one hand, it’s a solid deal for a guy who wasn’t drafted and who bounced between the Steelers and Ravens before becoming a force in 2007, and the AP defensive player of the year in 2008.

On the other hand, the “bonus money” pales in comparison to contracts paid to pass-rushers like Jared Allen and Dwight Freeney, who each received at least $30 million guaranteed.

Though Harrison will turn 31 next month, he has low mileage on the tires, and several good years left. Despite any arguments that Harrison or his agent, Bill Parise, might make in support of the contract that replaces the final year of Harrison’s prior contract (at a base salary of $1.4 million in 2009), look for rival agents to explain the deal away as the product of an agent who currently has — and who very well might continue to have — only one client

This should give Pep a pretty good idea of his current value.

[Murph]

Pep turned down what from us....80 million?

He says money isn't an issue but 30+ million difference can not be ignored.

[SMACKDAB]

I guarantee you Pepe knows what his value is.

That's the problem. He out thought himself. Overrated himself would be one in the same.

[thefuzz]

Merriman and Ware are not going to like that too much.

I expect both of them were wanting something closer to the Haynesworth deal.

[Fireball77]

So Pep should expect to see LESS than this if he converts to a 3-4 OLB. They are around the same age and Harrison is proven at the position and Pep isn't.

[Fireball77]

Merriman and Ware are not going to like that too much.

I expect both of them were wanting something closer to the Haynesworth deal.

Great 3-4 OLBs make far less than DTs and DEs. That's why Suggs was fighting with the Ravens and succeeded in getting a new tag prior to 2008. THe Ravens tagged him as an OLB and he wanted DE money because he is primarily a pass rusher. I believe that new tag was a kind of compromise between 4-3 DE dollars and 3-4 OLB dollars. I think that was a great idea personally. It's more fair to the player.

[SMACKDAB]

One other thing. This almost seals our fate with being stuck with him, and not being able to deal him. Teams aren't going to be willy nilly throwing money or picks around now for him.(as if they have already)

Should we have cut him and got nothing for him in return, no. But right now it appears as we are strapped with the 17 mil, and still aren't going to get anything for him.

Lord help us please.

[carolinarolls]

I guarantee you Pepe knows what his value is.

That's the problem. He out thought himself. Overrated himself would be one in the same.

how in the hell can you draw that conclusion? At what point did he overvalue himself?

Hurney overvalued him and Pep turned down 80 million most likely because he is not happy in Charlotte and did not want to get locked up here.

If we are just pulling random poo out of our asses here Peppers turned down 80 million because he joined a cult, took a vow of poverty and can only get joy from on the field accomplishments now. He wants out of Carolina because he has seen enough and knows that no matter what he or HIS defense does Jake Delhomme is going to fvck it up.

[thefuzz]

Great 3-4 OLBs make far less than DTs and DEs. That's why Suggs was fighting with the Ravens and succeeded in getting a new tag prior to 2008. THe Ravens tagged him as an OLB and he wanted DE money because he is primarily a pass rusher. I believe that new tag was a kind of compromise between 4-3 DE dollars and 3-4 OLB dollars. I think that was a great idea personally. It's more fair to the player.

I remember that.

Pep will not command more than Harrisons number if he goes to a 3-4, but once again, I am not convinced at all that Peps problem is all about money...

[Lone Buc Fan]

Yea, Delhomme is horrible and will never win a ring. Glad some Panthers fans aren't completely blind or too stupid for their own good for a change.