James Harrison Not Drawing Any Interest from Teams

When James Harrison was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was assumed that some teams would show an interest in signing a veteran linebacker who clearly still has the grit to play the game. But now that we’re a month into James Harrison’s unemployment, it’s becoming clear that getting a second job is going to be a lot harder than initially thought.

Teams have been linked to Harrison, like the Ravens and Browns but no one has taken any interest past the simplest level of inquiry. Mainly, teams were linked to Harrison thanks to his agent, who plastered Harrison’s name to every team in the universe. But here we sit, a month later, and Harrison is still without a job.

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cleveland Browns will not be signing Harrison as the team as zero interest in the veteran.

"The Browns have no interest in James Harrison and are unlikely to sign a 36-year-old defensive back. Woodson, who’s coming off an injury, admitted this week that the phone’s not ringing. I do think they’ll re-evaluate the roster after the draft to see where they can fill some holes and might add another reserve free agent or two.– Mary Kay Cabot"

Harrison’s only visit was to the Ravens and they’ve since decided to invest what little money they have in Elvis Dumervil and others. It’s a sad story when you look at it, as Harrison is a classic case of a guy who has sacrificed his body (and the bodies of others), but isn’t able to find a job when he hits the market. It’s truly a demoralizing feeling for a guy in Harrison’s position, but his continued unemployment can really be chalked up to timing. Right now we’re weeks away from the NFL Draft, which means teams are focused on the various linebacking prospects rather than a thirty-something veteran who is prone to illegal hits.

Harrison will find work again, he’ll just have to wait longer than we all thought he would.