Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians confirms James Harrison interest
Aug 29, 2014, 10:13 PM | Updated: 10:13 pm
Wednesday, it was reported the Arizona Cardinals were bringing linebacker James Harrison in for a visit.
Thursday, word came out that the team was negotiating a contract with the former Pittsburgh Steeler and Cincinnati Bengal.
Friday, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians addressed the rumors.
“I met with James today, we’ll see what happens,” Arians said Friday afternoon. “He’s in good shape.”
Harrison, 36, was the 2008 NFL AP Defensive Player of the Year, a First-Team All-Pro in 2008 and 2010 and a Pro Bowl selection in 2007, ’08, ’09, ’10 and ’11.
The outside linebacker has amassed 472 total tackles in his career along with 66 sacks, nine fumble recoveries and one unforgettable interception return in a Super Bowl, much as Cardinals fans would like to.
However, he is coming off arguably the worst season in his career, tallying just 30 tackles along with two sacks in his lone season with the Bengals.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday afternoon that the team’s visit with Harrison went well, but Harrison’s agent said a deal is not expected to get done between the two sides. AZCentral Sports’ Kent Somers added that Harrison is not signing due to a combination of age, durability questions and money.
Yet, the Cardinals’ interest in Harrison could be based on a variety of factors. Not only does Arians have familiarity with him due to their shared time with the Steelers, but he could also provide depth and, maybe, the kind of playmaking ability that could help.
The Cardinals struck gold with another linebacker who many was thought to be washed up in John Abraham last year, and may see a similar possibility with Harrison.
And if nothing else, the linebacker could help fill the void left when Darnell Dockett went down with a torn ACL late in training camp. Though they don’t play the same position, the two have something important in common.
“Yes he does,” Arians said when asked if Harrison has a similar attitude to Dockett. “We’d like to have it, yes.”
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