On Tuesday, Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said he anticipates veteran linebacker James Harrison wanting to play in 2016 and that he doesn’t see a scenario where the team wouldn’t want him back. Additionally, Harrison’s agent, Bill Parise, said Tuesday his client plans to honor the final year of his contract. With all of that said, Harrison let it be known late Tuesday afternoon on Twitter that he’s not ready to commit to playing in 2016 just yet.
Hold up. It's 1 thing to want to come back but it's another to get the body back to where it needs to be. We'll see. https://t.co/34YPjZU5Sh
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) February 16, 2016
“Hold up. It’s 1 thing to want to come back but it’s another to get the body back to where it needs to be. We’ll see.”
In short, it doesn’t sound like Harrison has made his final decision just yet and that’s not overly surprising being as the start of the new league year is still three weeks away. However, one would think that the Steelers would like a firm commitment from Harrison by the start of the new league year, or at the latest by the time the draft rolls around.
Harrison is currently under contract for the 2016 season and is scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.25 million. If you are keeping score at home, fellow outside linebackers Jarvis Jones and Arthur Moats are both scheduled to earn more than Harrison in 2016.
By the sound of things, Harrison has every intention of playing in 2016 and I suspect we’ll know for sure in a few more weeks.
ETA:
Not so fast..Despite what agent said, James Harrison told his business and PR manager he's not certain he will return in '16
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) February 16, 2016
Harrison was in Phoenix today meeting w his trainer. Told his manager he wont return unless his age (38) and body allow him to be 100 %
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) February 16, 2016
Risa Bayalem, 92 PR and biz manager: “If he’s not able to give 100%, he wouldn’t be doing justice to himself, Steelers or his teammates."
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) February 16, 2016
More Bayalem on Harrison: “Even if he feels he wants to come back, his age and body are going to tell him whether that’s possible or not."
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) February 16, 2016
