James Harrison said "everybody knows" he wants to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Following the linebacker's declaration on NFL Network's "Total Access" this week, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette passes on that there is "mutual attraction" between both sides.
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The 35-year-old veteran spent his first 10 years with the Steelers before joining the Cincinnati Bengals last season. He appeared in 15 games in 2013 with 10 starts, compiling 30 tackles and two sacks on just 383 snaps in Cincy's defense.
The mutual interest makes sense for both sides. Harrison acknowledges he is in the twilight of his career. After jettisoning LaMarr Woodley, the Steelers are thin at outside linebacker behind Jason Worilds and Jarvis Jones. Bringing Harrison back as a rotational linebacker would provide insurance for an unproven group.
Bouchette reported that the Steelers wanted Harrison back last season at more than $3 million. Reuniting Harrison with defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau at the low, low price of the veteran minimum is conceivable even with Pittsburgh's salary cap restraints.
Neither side needs to rush to the table. Harrison knows his market is slim and rejoining the Steelers would be the best ending to his career. Pittsburgh, likewise, knows it could wait until after the draft to address veteran depth at linebacker.
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