The Bengals announced that they have released outside linebacker James Harrison, tweets Albert Breer of NFL Network. Although the veteran linebacker will turn 36 this spring, he wants to continue his playing career in 2014, and agent Bill Parise expects interest from NFL teams, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
Harrison had been on the books for a cap hit of about $2.034MM in 2014, which the Bengals can reduce to $600K in the move, creating about $1.434MM of cap savings. ’14 was the final year of Harrison’s contract.
After spending most of his career with the Steelers, Harrison joined the division-rival Bengals last year and helped the team take the AFC North crown. While he only played 409 defensive snaps and recorded just a pair of sacks, the longtime Steeler was one of the league’s best 4-3 outside linebackers against the run, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Harrison will continue training in Arizona as he ponders his next move, Parise tells Schefter.