Pittsburgh Steelers Not Interested in James Harrison Return

October 28, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) straps on his helmet against the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 27-12. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Early Tuesday morning a report surfaced that the Pittsburgh Steelers were interested in former Indianapolis Colts pass rusher Dwight Freeney. Now we are learning that the Steelers interest in Freeney is in large part because they have no interest in James Harrison returning to the team.

Harrison’s agent Bill Parise has said there is a lot of interest in his client, but then went on to say he would welcome a call from the Steelers.

That wreaks of desperation from a guy that is not getting the attention he was hoping for on the open market.

Unfortunately for Parise and Harrison, the Steelers aren’t interested.

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says that while Harrison reportedly has options, “the Steelers are not one of them and let Harrison know over the weekend they have decided to go with others at his old position at right outside linebacker.”

Harrison was set to make $6.57 million in 2013, but the Steelers asked him to take a pay cut in order to stay with the team and open up some additional cap space.

Harrison was unwilling to take the pay cut and was ultimately released.

Now, he awaits a phone call and a new gig. He has already be waiting for two weeks and there is no immediate end in sight. At the end of the process, Harrison may wish that he would have chosen the pay cut in Pittsburgh.