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Bench Warmer
As James Harrison continues to celebrate his success in Super Bowl XLIII, the Pittsburgh Steelers are working hard behind the scenes to secure their two-time Pro Bowl linebacker.
The Steelers are actively negotiating a pay raise and contract extension, according to Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, with the sides having discussions as often as twice a day.
"It's been a very open process, and it's going about the way you would expect," Parise said. "So I think everything is moving along."
Harrison was arguably the league's biggest bargain in 2008 with an annual salary of $1.2 million. He registered 101 tackles, 16 sacks, seven forced fumbles and was named the NFL's defensive player of the year.
Harrison's memorable 100-yard interception return also helped lead Pittsburgh to its sixth Super Bowl title with a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Steelers have a number of other key veterans who are due to become free agents in 2010. The list of players with one year remaining on their contracts includes receiver Hines Ward, tight end Heath Miller, safety Ryan Clark and nose tackle Casey Hampton.
But it's apparent they are making Harrison, 30, the team's first and biggest priority. Parise said he's confident both sides will reach an agreement this offseason.
"Certainly the Steelers didn't win six Super Bowls by not knowing what they're doing," Parise said. "I'm sure they understand exactly what they have and where they're going with James' situation."
The Steelers are actively negotiating a pay raise and contract extension, according to Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, with the sides having discussions as often as twice a day.
"It's been a very open process, and it's going about the way you would expect," Parise said. "So I think everything is moving along."
Harrison was arguably the league's biggest bargain in 2008 with an annual salary of $1.2 million. He registered 101 tackles, 16 sacks, seven forced fumbles and was named the NFL's defensive player of the year.
Harrison's memorable 100-yard interception return also helped lead Pittsburgh to its sixth Super Bowl title with a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Steelers have a number of other key veterans who are due to become free agents in 2010. The list of players with one year remaining on their contracts includes receiver Hines Ward, tight end Heath Miller, safety Ryan Clark and nose tackle Casey Hampton.
But it's apparent they are making Harrison, 30, the team's first and biggest priority. Parise said he's confident both sides will reach an agreement this offseason.
"Certainly the Steelers didn't win six Super Bowls by not knowing what they're doing," Parise said. "I'm sure they understand exactly what they have and where they're going with James' situation."
