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Harrison could get new deal Monday [Beaver County Times, Pa.](Beaver County Times (PA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Apr. 12--James Harrison, the man who produced the most exciting defensive play in Super Bowl history, may soon be the highest-paid defender in Pittsburgh Steelers' history. As early as Monday, Harrison's agent and team negotiators could finally strike a long-term deal that has been the Steelers' No. 1 off-season priority. "We're close," Bill Parise, Harrison's agent, told The Times on Saturday. "I think we've cleared the biggest hurdle." Parise said that he and the Steelers didn't talk contract on Saturday and won't today. "Maybe Monday or Tuesday ... I hope," Parise said. Harrison has one more year left on a four-year, $5.5 million deal he signed in 2006 when he was a back-up at right outside linebacker behind Joey Porter. But it has been the Steelers' long-standing policy to extend of the contract of most of their primary stars before they enter the last year of their existing contracts. That's what happened two years ago with strong safety Troy Polamalu, who is currently the Steelers' highest-paid defender. In July of 2007, Polamalu signed a five-year deal worth $33 million, $15 million of which was guaranteed. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is the highest-paid Steeler. Last year, he signed an eight-year extension worth $102 million including $36 million in guaranteed money. Might Harrison's new deal surpass Polamalu's numbers? Well, consider the contract former Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Bart Scott got back in February. When he signed with the New York Jets, Scott got a six-year, $48 million package that includes $22 million in guaranteed money. Granted, Scott (29) will be two years younger than Harrison (31) will be when the 2009 season starts. And he is an inside linebacker, and not an outside linebacker like Harrison. But over the past two years when Scott has recorded just 1.0 and 1.5 sacks, respectively, Harrison has 8.5 and 16.0. |