James Harrison's Last Stand as a Steeler?



Could this be "Silverback's" Final
Season as a Steeler??

 -Mason Noland (@m_noland386)

Most of my Steelers Brethren are not going to be happy with the following statement, but I believe that this will be James Harrison's last year in a Black and Gold. I am in no way, shape, or form hoping this happens, but I think its inevitable. I am in fact hoping he does play in Pittsburgh, I really am. I just don't see it. I think his mounting injuries as well as his large salary make him a candidate for a pay cut/restructuring, or termination. I am hoping for the former, but bracing for the latter.

I realize Harrison has been an intimidating force on defense since becoming a full time starter in 2007. I realize he has become one of Steelers Nation's, myself included, favorite player. I just have an inclination that Harrison won't be with us. I have read articles saying  as much, and it gets met with harsh criticism. I understand it. We are an emotional fan base. No one wants to see your favorite player play for another team or be forced into retirement, but football a cruel business. Let's look at what fans will say.

"He doesn't have the same wear and tear most 34 year old football players have on their bodies." While true, Harrison didn't become a starter until 2007, when he was 29 years old, the miles he has put on since then are rougher than most players will ever have. While a lot of older linebackers can stick around the league for a while, they are getting constantly double teams, or knocking heads with offensive tackles. Harrison has been one of the most physical players to ever strap on a helmet and that toll is taking a toll on his body. He had offseason back surgery last year and is dealing with a knee injury this offseason. He also fractured his orbital bone last year and missed four games. The knee may be a garden variety football injury, but at age 34, its very disconcerting. The back injury is what still concerns me. How long until that creeps up on him again?

The next thing you'll say is "We can't get rid of the heart and soul of the defense." This can be answered with a simple Seth Myers and Amy Poehler quote "Really?" Maybe you haven't been paying attention. I loved Greg Lloyd, but he was replaced by Joey Porter. I loved Porter, but he was replaced by Harrison. Who knows, maybe a Christopher Carter or a healthy Jason Worlids can replace Harrison. No one knew Harrison was even going to break out like he did. The spring before he became a starter the Steelers drafted two college pass rushers you may have heard of in Lawrence Timmons and Lamarr Woodley.

One other quote would be "They resigned James Farrior at about the same age." That may be correct, but they play a vastly different linebacker position. Farrior also was not dealing with the physical ailments or getting beaten around by double teams with tackles and tight ends. That Farrior contract was an anomaly for the Steelers.

As I said before, I am in no way endorsing the release of James Harrison. I hope he can come back and be productive and continuing hassling the leagues quaterbacks. I hope he is willing to stay a Steeler if they ask him to take a pay cut after this season. I am also a realist. I know the Steelers do what is right for the organization as a whole. If someone like Carter or Worlids becomes a worth successor to Steelers Linebackers, and replace Harrison, like he replaced Porter that would be great. I also have no problem with the Steelers cutting bait a year or two early like they have in the past. We'll see after this season if Harrison goes the way of James Farrior and Casey Hampton or Joey Porter and Alan Faneca.