Ravens interested in James Harrison (Merged)

**RavensRule21215** · 03-10-2013, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by Tolucaraven

Me too, I thought Harrison is the perfect fit vs the run and on the weakside opposite of Suggs. That's nasty.

As long as his body holds up, I agree. And heck...it'd be like coming home for JH. This is where he started out, so it would only be fitting for this to be his last stop. And just imagine the electricity the first time he slams Ben down into the M&T turf, eh?

**leachisabeast** · 03-10-2013, 02:06 PM

He'd play on the strong side most likely, weakside would be lining up opposite the left tackle. That's what Suggs does.

**ursula** · 03-10-2013, 02:23 PM

So interesting....which makes me think wild thoughts about Cortney Upshaw. You know how we have Upshaw pegged as the next JJ> What if he becomes an ILB instead? Totally crazy? There were times last year he lined up inside-even at nose guard though that was in passing situations and his hand wasn't in the dirt. But maybe he becomes that inside run stuffer with our without Ellerbe.

**leachisabeast** · 03-10-2013, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by ursula

So interesting....which makes me think wild thoughts about Cortney Upshaw. You know how we have Upshaw pegged as the next JJ> What if he becomes an ILB instead? Totally crazy? There were times last year he lined up inside-even at nose guard though that was in passing situations and his hand wasn't in the dirt. But maybe he becomes that inside run stuffer with our without Ellerbe.

I've thought about that before, but he'd have to drop a significant amount of weight to play there. Upshaw at 250 with how he is against the run could work I guess.

**ursula** · 03-10-2013, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

I've thought about that before, but he'd have to drop a significant amount of weight to play there. Upshaw at 250 with how he is against the run could work I guess.

Definitely agree with the weight thing.

**Bigfish** · 03-10-2013, 06:50 PM

My first thought was hell no. But after giving it further thought, we are losing Kruger and he is definitely capable of being a situational pass rusher. If used in that capacity it would help him remain healthy. Two things to consider; is he healthy and can he be had for a bargain? We might get similar production from him as we do from Kruger for much less money. Consider he has proven abilities and questions still surround Kruger. Another thing he would bring is a wealth of knowledge about the Steelers defense.

**esmd** · 03-10-2013, 06:57 PM

Harrison is done, IMO. Has missed significant time due to injuries and his overall play has seemed to slip. Pass, pass, please for the love of god pass. You win by acquiring young talent, not by signing a guy like Harrison.

**leachisabeast** · 03-10-2013, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by Bigfish

My first thought was hell no. But after giving it further thought, we are losing Kruger and he is definitely capable of being a situational pass rusher. If used in that capacity it would help him remain healthy. Two things to consider; is he healthy and can he be had for a bargain? We might get similar production from him as we do from Kruger for much less money. Consider he has proven abilities and questions still surround Kruger. Another thing he would bring is a wealth of knowledge about the Steelers defense.

The Ravens also generally like players who are familiar with the AFCN, they have shown interest in Rey Maluaga for example, who is coming off two pretty bad seasons, but the talent is there, and I think the fact that he's played in the AFCN for a while entices the Ravens.

Another guy to look at is Pat Sims (6'2, 330 lbs) a huge DT who rotates with Peko in the nose shade position. He'd be a good fit as the 3-4 NT on our defense, and would be an instant upgrade over both Cody and Kemo, he grades out much better in the run game, and surprisingly has some value/upside as a pass rusher. He could be a bargain.

**Bigfish** · 03-10-2013, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

The Ravens also generally like players who are familiar with the AFCN, they have shown interest in Rey Maluaga for example, who is coming off two pretty bad seasons, but the talent is there, and I think the fact that he's played in the AFCN for a while entices the Ravens.

Another guy to look at is Pat Sims (6'2, 330 lbs) a huge DT who rotates with Peko in the nose shade position. He'd be a good fit as the 3-4 NT on our defense, and would be an instant upgrade over both Cody and Kemo, he grades out much better in the run game, and surprisingly has some value/upside as a pass rusher. He could be a bargain.

We need to upgrade NT somehow. I'd take a I beam buried at the LOS over what we had. I said it before, Cody getting blown off of the line was like a 350lb. SOS being thrown at the ILB's face. Kemo wasn't much better.

**Tolucaraven** · 03-10-2013, 07:50 PM

I think if the Ravens and Browns are interested in him they know something, they did just play him twice at the end of the season. I bet they know more than our muffintop internet GM's (self included). Harrison is one of the best run stopping OLBs in the game and problably on the Ravens could get 6-10 sacks opposite of Suggs and is more of a complete player than Kruger as a only pass rush specialist and weak vs the run. The Steelers didnt want to let him go, but had no choice cap wise, they had to tender 4 FA's yesterday and might lose McCLendon and Sanders for a 3rd rounder.

He wont cost alot either and not likely for more than 2 years.

**leachisabeast** · 03-10-2013, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by Tolucaraven

I think if the Ravens and Browns are interested in him they know something, they did just play him twice at the end of the season. I bet they know more than our muffintop internet GM's (self included). Harrison is one of the best run stopping OLBs in the game and problably on the Ravens could get 6-10 sacks opposite of Suggs and is more of a complete player than Kruger as a only pass rush specialist and weak vs the run. The Steelers didnt want to let him go, but had no choice cap wise, they had to tender 4 FA's yesterday and might lose McCLendon and Sanders for a 3rd rounder.

He wont cost alot either and not likely for more than 2 years.

It would certainly make more sense than many would think. Nothing wrong with a 2 year rental on a guy who could form a nightmare duo with Suggs, it would allow Upshaw more time to develop as a player too, he would be learning from two great players.

**The Excellector** · 03-10-2013, 08:24 PM

There are two realities to this situation. The first is that Pittsburgh could not keep everybody. There is a reason why posters have criticized their recent change in strategy, pertaining to how they manage their salary cap. It has indeed slowly meant their end, because they have not drafted well. They went from winning the division, to second place and were 8-8 last season. This strategy of theirs' is going to cost them Mike Wallace, Casey Hampton, James Harrison and possibly Keenan Lewis.

Wallace is not the best fit for Todd Haley's system and Haley's misuse of him played a role in the tension there. Casey Hampton's absence will have a significant impact on Pittsburgh's run defense. James Harrison was already battling injuries and they do have Jason Worilds, but there is now a question as to what they will get from Lamar Woodley on the other side. Keenan Lewis was finally the CB they needed opposite Ike Taylor and he'll now be gone.

Although James Harrison has dealt with some injuries, his release is not a full indictment of him, so much as it is an indictment of the cap problems Pittsburgh is having.

The second reality is that James Harrison's agent is just doing his job. The way in which he's doing it gives me the belief that Harrison will have a difficult time finding the money he wants. He may be on the market for a while. So, while I don't necessarily think the Ravens are keying in on him immediately, there is a chance that his price could come down to their preference at some point.

**Tolucaraven** · 03-10-2013, 08:24 PM

His agent says between Browns, Ravens and Saints. Good to have 3 teams as a player, gives you some bargaining power. No way he wants to play for Cleveland, using them for negotiation is my guess.

**Tolucaraven** · 03-10-2013, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by The Excellector

There are two realities to this situation. The first is that Pittsburgh could not keep everybody. There is a reason why posters have criticized their recent change in strategy, pertaining to how they manage their salary cap. It has indeed slowly meant their end, because they have not drafted well. They went from winning the division, to second place and were 8-8 last season. This strategy of theirs' is going to cost them Mike Wallace, Casey Hampton, James Harrison and possibly Keenan Lewis.

Wallace is not the best fit for Todd Haley's system and Haley's misuse of him played a role in the tension there. Casey Hampton's absence will have a significant impact on Pittsburgh's run defense. James Harrison was already battling injuries and they do have Jason Worilds, but there is now a question as to what they will get from Lamar Woodley on the other side. Keenan Lewis was finally the CB they needed opposite Ike Taylor and he'll now be gone.

Although James Harrison has dealt with some injuries, his release is not a full indictment of him, so much as it is an indictment of the cap problems Pittsburgh is having.

The second reality is that James Harrison's agent is just doing his job. The way in which he's doing it gives me the belief that Harrison will have a difficult time finding the money he wants. He may be on the market for a while. So, while I don't necessarily think the Ravens are keying in on him immediately, there is a chance that his price could come down to their preference at some point.

Harrison was healthy last year for the most part and the year before had the broken orbital bone once he got in shape, he was pretty good down the stretch.

**Tolucaraven** · 03-10-2013, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by Tolucaraven

Harrison was healthy last year for the most part and the year before had the broken orbital bone once he got in shape, he was pretty good down the stretch.

Lewis is long gone, expected to make 6-8 Million per year. They stopped trying and signed Gay.

**Paintballguy** · 03-10-2013, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by Tolucaraven

Lewis is long gone, expected to make 6-8 Million per year. They stopped trying and signed Gay.

There was no way they ever had a shot at keeping Lewis.

**Stealthbirds80** · 03-11-2013, 08:50 AM

Personally I don't see this happening, but I am not against whatever the Ravens deem fit. I see him going to the Browns or Saints, however we've been surprised by this frontoffice's moves in the past. Maybe they like what they see and I've heard the rumblings that there is mutual interest between the two parties.

If this is just a one year deal where he gets on the field and they have Ellerbe and may Upshaw/McClain maybe in the middle, why not? It would be Suggs, Ellerbe, Upshaw/McClain and Harrison = wow.

**RavenMadness** · 03-12-2013, 06:42 PM

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/r...,1079751.story

eek!

**Paintballguy** · 03-12-2013, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by RavenMadness

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/r...,1079751.story

eek!

I don't buy it until it happens. Agent could be trying to drum up interest.

**arnie_uk** · 03-12-2013, 06:58 PM

Ozzie has said today we are very interested. Maybe someone can find the quote.

Not sure what I'd make of us signing him. He's a damn good player and him, Suggs and upshaw rotating would be nice. He also wouldn't need to see as many snaps as he was in Pitts with upshaw there, so that will help with his injury.

But the guys an ass and as above, he's had bad knees and back lately, he's also what 36?

How would yous all feel?