James Harrison to Bengals: Top 6 Moments in a Pittsburgh Uniform

As of yesterday, long-time Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison will no longer be crushing skulls while sporting the black and gold. In fact, he'll be doing so while wearing a rival's uniform.

The 34-year old Harrison has signed a new two-year contract with AFC North counterparts the Cincinnati Bengals, meaning he'll meet the Steelers twice a year.

It'll be tough for Pittsburgh fans to root against Harrison, who was voted for five Pro Bowls and two First Team All Pro squads while with the franchise over the years. Here are some of Silverback's greatest moments while with Pittsburgh:

Interception and Hurdle over LaDainian Tomlinson on MNF

Long before Harrison was well-known around the league as the ferocious pass-rusher nicknamed Silverback, and long before commissioner Roger Goodell began fining him for countless illegal hits on opponents, there was this play. On Monday Night Football on October 10, 2005 during Pittsburgh's quest for Super Bowl win No. 5, Harrison picked off a Drew Brees pass attempt and ran it back for 25 yards near the 50-yard line in the second quarter.

It was his first career interception, but what was the most special part about that play was the fact that he jumped over LaDainian Tomlinson. At 6'0" and nearly 250 pounds, Harrison doesn't exactly look like a very nimble play on the field, but this play (shown below) put him on the map and showed everyone his athleticism.

Harrison Slams Browns Fan

If this incident doesn't discourage you from jumping out of the stands at an NFL game and running onto the field, then I honestly have no idea what will. On Christmas eve 2005 during a Steelers/Browns game, Browns fan Nate Mallett (had to do a little research to find out his name) ran out onto the field, and this was the result:

Ouch. Can you imagine being body-slammed by this dude? He says it didn't hurt, but I don't care how much alcohol is in your system, there's no way he didn't feel that one in the morning. At least the players he hits on the field are fully dressed with pads. Nate had nothing to protect him from Harrison and the cold-hard ground. I doubt he ever tried to pull something like that ever again.

Career-high 3.5 Sacks in a 38-7 MNF win over Baltimore

Throughout his career, Harrison was known to his fans as a Raven killer. He played his best games against their arch-rival Baltimore Ravens, and this 38-7 Monday night trouncing on November 5, 2007 was no different. In the first game Harrison started against the Ravens, he set a career-high with 3.5 sacks against Baltimore's Steve McNair. He also added an interception that he returned for 20 yards as McNair managed just 63 yards through the air on his 13 of 22 passing.

The 38 points scored is still the second-most the Steelers have ever put up against its AFC North rivals.

Three Consecutive Double-Digit Sack Seasons

In his 2008 campaign Harrison started all but one game while setting a career-high in sacks (16.0) and tying a career-high in forced fumbles (7) while recording 93 combined tackles. His first of two All Pro seasons happened to be the first out of his three consecutive double-digit sack seasons. The year prior he came up just short, recording 8.5 in his 16 starts. The next two years Harrison combined for 20.5 sacks in 32 starts, adding 2 interceptions, 11 forced fumbles and 179 combined tackles. During his three-year stretch from 2008-10, Harrison played his best football and was voted to three Pro Bowls and two All Pro teams.

After his 2010 campaign, Harrison was still dominant but only when he was healthy. Injuries and aging plagued his 2011 and 2012 seasons as he started just 11 and 13 games respectively. He did make the Pro Bowl again in 2011, but he combined for just 15 sacks over those two seasons.

Postseason Career-high 3.0 sacks in 2010 Divisional Victory over Baltimore

In Silverback's eight career postseason games his best performance by far came in the 2010 AFC Divisional game against, you guessed it, Baltimore. Harrison dominated quarterback Joe Flacco in the passing game, recording 7 combined tackles and sacking him a postseason career-high 3.0 times. The 31-24 victory put the Steelers in the AFC Championship and eventually back in the Super Bowl against the Packers, though Harrison performed poorly (1.0 sack, didn't make much of an impact on outcome) and the Packers came away with the 31-25 win.

In 11 career regular season games against the Ravens, Harrison has 66 combined tackles and 11.0 sacks. In his two career postseason games against Baltimore, he has 13 tackles and 3.0 sacks.

Record-breaking 100-yard Interception TD in Super Bowl XLIII

This was the defining moment in Harrison's career, and was the biggest play of Pittsburgh's 27-23 Super Bowl victory over the Cardinals. With the Cardinals down 10-7 just before halftime and knocking at the door, Harrison stepped right in front of a Kurt Warner pass and returned it all the way to the other end of the field for a touchdown. It was without a doubt a momentum-changer, as Warner's Cards had the ball inside the five and about to take the lead for the first time of the game.

The touchdown gave Pittsburgh an extended 17-7 lead at the half, and shifted the momentum back to their side. Though Arizona scored 16 4th quarter points and nearly completed the comeback in the second half, Pittsburgh managed to hold off the feisty Cards thanks to Harrison's Super Bowl record 100-yard interception TD. Though it was his second Super Bowl ring, it was the first one that he actually made a huge contribution to.

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At 34 years old (will turn 35 on May 4) and missing eight starts over the last two seasons, it's clear that Harrison's best days are long gone. But that doesn't mean that he can't make a contribution to Cincinnati's pass-rush this season, which was ranked third in sacks in 2012 with 51.

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Elvis Dumervil: Baltimore Introduces Next Great Pass-Rusher, Reminiscent of Boulware

The defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens put to rest "FaxGate" by introducing former Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil.

The 29-year old was forced out of Denver after an incident involving his now-fired agent Marty Magid and a fax machine. On Friday March 15––the deadline for the Broncos to restructure Dumervil's contract and have his $12 million due to him for the 2013 season fully guaranteed––the Broncos were hit with a "dead money" cap hit of $4.869 when Magid faxed the paperwork six minutes late.

Dumervil could have re-signed with the Broncos the following day, but it would have cost Denver more money. Elvis, who had been very interested in staying in Denver, fired his agent and hit the free agent market.

The Ravens and General Manager Ozzie Newsome made a move for Dumervil, signing him to a 5-year deal worth $35M ($8M guaranteed) three days ago.

Dumervil, half of Denver's "Doom and Gloom" duo over the last two seasons alongside linebacker Von Miller, spent six seasons with the Broncos after being selected in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. In 75 starts, Elvis recorded 63.5 sacks, including a league-leading 17.0 in 2009.

When healthy, Dumervil can be one of the most dominating pass-rushing forces coming off the edge. Coupled with returning veteran outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, the Ravens could have a potent passing attack on the defensive side of the ball in 2013, despite losing key pieces this offseason.

When introduced to the media yesterday, Dumervil flashed his brand new purple No. 58 jersey and talked about his exciting new venture for 2013.

Speaking of the No. 58 jersey, I can't be the only one who felt the need to reminisce about the last time there was a dominant pass-rusher coming off the edge sporting that jersey? Baltimore fans, do you remember outside linebacker Peter Boulware?

Boulware, now 38 years old and also a former fourth round pick, played his entire nine-year career playing outside linebacker for the Ravens. From 1997-2005, Boulware recorded 70.0 sacks and was selected to four Pro Bowls. Like Dumervil, Boulware had three seasons with double-digit sacks and recorded 7.0 sacks during Baltimore's 2000 Super Bowl run.

Though Dumervil played a majority of defensive end in Denver, it's pretty clear that he will likely mirror Suggs and switch to outside linebacker in Baltimore's 3-4 defense. The front line looks to be a bit crowded already, with Haloti Ngata, Terrence Cody, Arthur Jones and newly-signed Chris Canty, Dumervil has no choice but make the switch.

With top pass-rusher from last season, Paul Kruger, heading out of town for Cleveland for a boatload of cash, it appears as though the pass-rush will take a step forward in 2013. Especially with a fully healthy Suggs returning to the field in September.

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Free Agency Part II: Top Defensive Free Agents by Position

We're now just over 24 hours into the 2013 NFL free agency period (began Tuesday March 12 at 4 pm eastern time), and we've yet to post the second of two parts to the free agency preview. So, though it's a tad late, here's the defensive edition.

We've already seen plenty of big-name guys find new teams, but we've decided we would just break down the top remaining defensive guys left on the market.

Defensive Line: Cliff Avril, Detroit

Avril is one of the youngest and most productive d-lineman in this year's free agent class. Detroit opted not to franchise him for the second straight year and instead he'll test the FA waters. At age 26, Avril had 9.5 sacks in 2012 and 11.5 in 2011, and could get a hefty offer from a team desperate for pass-rushing help. There have been whispers that the former third round pick has drawn interest from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Best of the Rest

Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis––Freeney battled injury, missing three starts last season, and was forced to switch from defensive end to outside linebacker in Chuck Pagano's 3-4 defense. He'd be a great fit in Denver's 4-3 scheme, reuniting with former Colt teammate Peyton Manning. It's a possibility.

John Abraham, Atlanta––Normally age 30 is when players start to decline, but the soon-to-be-35-year old defensive end has racked up 54.5 sacks since turning the big 3-0. Atlanta was unable to bring back the reliable vet, but his 10.0 sacks this past season will give him negotiating leverage despite his age.

Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants––Personally, Umenyiora makes the "best of the rest" simply because of his name. He's post-30, and his numbers have declined each of the past three seasons in New York. Not to mention his bad attitude. BUT, someone will give him a chance and most of the top guys in the DL pool have already signed deals.

Others available: Matt Shaughnessy (OAK), Michael Bennett (TB), Richard Seymour (OAK), 

Already signed: Michael Johnson (franchise-tagged by CIN), Cullen Jenkins (signed three-year deal with NYG), Randy Starks (franchise-tagged by MIA), Desmond Bryant (signed five-year deal with CLE), Glenn Dorsey (signed deal with SF), Mike Devito (signed three-year deal with KC), Chris Canty (signed three-year deal with BAL), Henry Melton (signed one-year deal with CHI), Robert Geathers (signed deal with CIN), Isaac Sopoaga (signed three-year deal with PHI), Jason Jones (signed three-year deal with DET).

Linebacker: Brian Urlacher, Chicago

The Chicago/Urlacher talks haven't been very public, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him remain a Bear. Nevertheless, Urlacher is certainly still the best linebacker left out there. The eight-time Pro Bowler has been very reliable for Chicago throughout his career and his presence on the field alone can improve any defense.

Best of the Rest

James Harrison, Pittsburgh––Harrison battled injury in 2012 and Pittsburgh made the decision not to retain him for 2013. But, for the right price, Harrison could be an improvement for just about any defense in the pass-rushing category. Not to mention he strikes fear into his opponents. Don't expect anyone to give him much more than a one-two year deal, though.

Connor Barwin, Houston––Barwin was a very underrated piece to Houston's stingy defense in 2011 and '12. Raking in 14.5 sacks and 12 passes defensed over the last two seasons, Barwin made an impact in both stopping the run and the pass. The 26-year old wont warrant a big-time, long-term deal, but whoever winds up with him will likely love the results.

Karlos Dansby, Miami––Dansby recorded 134 combined tackles in his third season with Miami this past year, but was released (along with teammate and fellow LB Kevin Burnett) by the Dolphins yesterday. Dansby is a great coverage 'backer and plays sideline-to-sideline. Solid option among the ILB's still on the market.

Others available: Shaun Phillips (SD), Daryl Smith (JAC), Kevin Burnett (MIA), Nick Barnett (BUF), Rey Maualuga (CIN), D.J. Williams (DEN).

Already signed: Paul Kruger (signed five-year deal with CLE), Anthony Spencer (signed one-year deal with DAL), Dannell Ellerbe (signed five-year deal with MIA), Larry Foote (signed three-year deal with PIT), Stewart Bradley (signed one-year deal with DEN), Phillip Wheeler (signed five-year deal with MIA), Erin Henderson (signed two-year deal with MIN), Manny Lawson (signed four-year deal with BUF), Quentin Groves (signed two-year deal with CLE).

Cornerback: Sean Smith, Miami

At just 25 years of age, Smith has yet to hit his prime in his four-year professional career. His numbers and effectiveness on the football field continues to improve with each passing season as well. His size (6'2"/215 pounds) makes him a physical back who can keep up with the top guns. I'd take a young Smith over a proven vet such as Charles Woodson or Antoine Winfield (both released by their respective teams).

Best of the Rest

Aqib Talib, New England––The troubled Talib was productive in what little time he saw on the field with Tampa and New Enland last season. Washington is reportedly making a push for the 27-year old, so we'll see if he can find a long-term home in D.C. in the next couple of days.

Cary Williams, Baltimore––In his second consecutive full season as a Raven, Williams stole the spotlight late in the season as he filled in for the injured Lardarius Webb...and he won a championship. But just like many other Baltimore defenders, the Ravens likely wont be able to retain him and he's more than likely going to have to find a new home.

Nnamdi Asomugha, Philadelphia––A failed two-year campaign with what was dubbed by Vince Young as the "dream team" in Philadelphia, Asomugha was practically chased out of Philly. He missed just one start, but was certainly not the same "shutdown corner" that he was in Oakland. Nevertheless, he'll find a team out there looking to add a guy of Asomugha's potential.

Others available: Brent Grimes (ATL), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (PHI), Keenan Lewis (PIT), Antoine Winfield (MIN), Mike Jenkins (DAL), Tracy Porter (DEN).

Already signed: Chris Houston (signed five-year deal with DET), Bradley Fletcher (signed two-year deal with PHI), Dunta Robinson (signed three-year deal with KC), Leodis McKelvin (signed four-year deal with BUF), Greg Toler (signed three-year deal with IND), Aaron Ross (signed deal with NYG), Jerraud Powers (signed three-year deal with ARI), Darius Butler (signed two-year deal with IND), William Gay (signed three-year deal with PIT).

Safety: Ed Reed, Baltimore

Reed has threatened retirement a couple of different times, stemming from his recurring neck injury. But all things point to Reed being on the football field in 2013, just not with the Ravens. He's set to visit with the Houston Texans tomorrow, but don't rule out teams such as New England and San Francisco (just lost Goldson via free agency) as possible suitors for the future Hall of Fame free safety.

Best of the Rest


Charles Woodson, Green Bay––The Pack let Woodson go after he started just seven games in 2012. At his age, Woodson is clearly no longer the shutdown defensive back he once was. But a one-year deal with Woodson seems like a low-risk, high reward deal if he can even come close to his 2011 form.

Ronde Barber, Tampa Bay––Barber, 37, switched over to safety, like Woodson, last year and that seemed to put new life into the five-time Pro Bowler. He picked off four passes, made 91 tackles and broke up 13 more passes as the heart and soul of Tampa's defense. Even though he'll be 38 in April, Barber clearly still has a little something left in his bottomless tank.

Louis Delmas, Detroit––Delmas is just 25 years old, meaning he could get a lengthy contract. But, unfortunately, his health history may hold a few teams back. Delmas is Pro Bowl-caliber when he's on the field, but starting just 18 games over the last two seasons doesn't help his case too much.

Others available: Kenny Phillips (NYG), Bernard Pollard (BAL), Kerry Rhodes (ARI), LaRon Landry (NYJ), Michael Huff (OAK).

Already signed: Jairus Byrd (franchise-tagged by BUF), Glover Quin (signed five-year deal with DET), William Moore (signed five-year deal with ATL), Chris Clemons (signed one-year deal with MIA), George Wilson (signed two-year deal with TEN).

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We've had a lot of action over the last 24 hours, yet there are still plenty of options out there, both on offense and defense. Isn't free agency fun?

Be sure to check out the "off-season" tab at the top of the page to keep up with all the off-season signings and acquisitions!

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Free Agency Part 1: Top Offensive Free Agents by Position

The new league year begins on March 12, meaning we're right around the corner from the free agency period. Unlike this year's draft, there are plenty of options on offense (and defense as well), for teams looking to make quick improvements heading into April.

We've broken down the top free agents into two parts––offense and defense. Here are the top guys available by position on the offensive side of the ball, in addition to possible destinations for the 2013 season and beyond..

Quarterback: Joe Flacco, Baltimore

The quarterback free agent class is very top-heavy, and there really aren't going to be too many guys out there that teams such as Arizona and Jacksonville to make a move on. Why do you think the Chiefs acquired Smith? We all know Flacco will be staying in Baltimore and getting that long-term contract he's been lobbying for, but he's still up for grabs for other teams (such as Cleveland) to attempt to steal him, in case Baltimore doesn't want to match what Flacco wants.

But if a deal isn't reached before March 12, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get hit with the franchise tag so that they have more time to reach a deal. Bottom line here: Flacco will remain in Baltimore, leaving Matt Moore the best remaining quarterback on the market.

Others available: Moore (MIA), Jason Campbell (CHI), Josh Johnson (TB), Drew Stanton (IND), Charlie Batch (PIT), Rex Grossman (WAS).

Running back: Steven Jackson, St. Louis

The Rams allowed Jackson, 29, to void the final year of his contract and hit the free agency market on March 12. This easily puts him atop the list of available running backs despite Atlanta's release of Michael Turner earlier today. There's no way Jackson will change his mind and return to the Rams, he clearly wants out. There are several teams that could show interest and make a move for Jackson, including New York (Giants), Green Bay, Detroit, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh.

Though the three-time Pro Bowler has scored double digit TDs just one time in his nine-year career (2006), Jackson has broken the 1,000 yard barrier in each of the last eight seasons. He has still shown that he's got the explosiveness of a No. 1 back in this league, and could give a team another 2-3 solid years. I'd expect to see Jackson the first RB to find a new team, and for one of the aforementioned teams to land him for 2013.

Best of the Rest:

Michael Turner, Atlanta––The Falcons made the decision to release the 31-year old Turner, who averaged just 3.6 yards per carry this season. Though he's clearly on the downfall of his career, Turner has still run for 10+ TDs in each of the past five seasons and will make for a great 3rd down back for a team looking to add a proven vet to their offense.

Ahmad Bradshaw, New York (Giants)––The Giants decided not to keep the injury-prone Bradshaw (smart move), meaning he'll hit the market and will be in a new uniform come September. It's clear he can no longer carry the full-load, but like Turner, the 26-year old could team up and make for a great second option coming out of the backfield.

Reggie Bush, Miami––Bush appeared to be nothing more than a solid return man while in New Orleans, but in his past two seasons with the Dolphins Bush has revamped his career. He ran for 2,090 yards and 17 TDs in five seasons with the Saints, but in just two years in Miami he's broken out for 2,072 yards and 12 TDs. Quite the turn-around, huh? I'm expecting to see Miami bring Bush back for more in 2013.

Shonn Greene, New York (Jets)––The explosive, 235 pound Greene appears to be turning things around over the past two seasons, but if I'm the Jets I want to bring in fresh legs. They need to enter rebuilding mode and completely change things up. I don't think they'll bring Greene back and he'll, like Bradshaw, be playing somewhere outside of New York in 2013.

Others available: Rashard Mendenhall (PIT), Felix Jones (DAL), Cedric Benson (GB), Peyton Hillis (KC), Danny Woodhead (NE).

Wide Receiver: Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh

Personally I believe that Greg Jennings, not Wallace, is the top wideout name in the free agency pool. But, considering the position we're in, Wallace will generate the most buzz. Jennings is expected to remain in Green Bay, but I don't see Wallace sticking in Pittsburgh. Wallace wants "Larry Fitzgerald-type" money and the Steelers aren't going to give him that. The only way they'd be able to keep him for '13 would be if they used the franchise tag on him, and that's out of the question. Ben Roethlisberger was forced to restructure his contract to save $6M in cap room, and with Antonio Brown's mega deal, the Steelers don't have the money for Wallace.

The biggest deep threat in the league will hit the market, though his 2012 performance will likely hurt his free agency stock. Either way, some team out there will be willing to pay him the big bucks...and it wont be Pittsburgh.

Best of the Rest:

Greg Jennings, Green Bay––Like I said, Jennings wants to get paid..especially after Vincent Jackson's 5-year $55M deal last off-season. There's still a chance that the Pack could give him the franchise tag, but I don't think that'll go over too well with Jennings (he's already said returning to Green Bay under the tag would be "unwelcome"). But whether he's tagged or not, Jennings will return to Lambeau in 2013.

Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City––With the Chiefs in rebuilding mode and Bowe due a big-time payday, I don't see him returning to Kansas City. The only thing he's got going for him is he's got an upgrade at the quarterback position. But if he goes elsewhere there's a chance he could not only get a big-time contract, but also have a much better team around him. I'd expect him to look elsewhere later this month.

Wes Welker, New England––This is a sticky situation in Foxboro. Welker, 32, played under the franchise tag this past season. If the Pats weren't ready to give Welker a long-term deal last season, what makes you think they will be ready to with another season under his belt. His productiveness now has a number on it, and there's no guarantee that he'll be a Patriot next season. Plus Tom Brady has proven throughout his career that he can perform at a high level no matter who is lining up at wide receiver. Looks like Welker will be forced to test the waters.

Others available: Brian Hartline (MIA), Danny Amendola (STL), Jerome Simpson (MIN), Randy Moss (SF), Julian Edelman (NE), Donnie Avery (IND), Kevin Ogletree (DAL).

Tight End: Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta

Retirement still isn't out of the question for the 37-year old future Hall of Famer––and best receiving tight end this league has ever seen. In fact, I got the feeling that he'd retire once he finally got that playoff victory. But with no sign of slowing down (93 catches, 930 yards, 8 TDs for Atlanta in 2012), I guess we shouldn't be surprised to see Gonzalez stick around.

But if Tony and the Falcons don't agree on a contract, I don't see him going somewhere else to play. It's either Atlanta or retirement. If the Falcons make a couple moves and have a solid draft, I think it'd be enough to force Gonzalez to return for one last ride in 2013.

Others available: Fred Davis (WAS), Martellus Bennett (NYG), Dustin Keller (NYJ), Jared Cook (TEN), Dallas Clark (TB), Delanie Walker (SF).

Offensive Line: Jake Long, Miami

Long, 27, is perhaps the biggest free agent name among offensive lineman, considering Denver recently placed the franchise tag on tackle Ryan Clady. Clady hasn't missed a start in his five-year career with the Broncos, and has been selected to three Pro Bowls. The 6'7"/315 pound Miami tackle has been nearly as productive, missing just six starts with four Pro Bowls. Reportedly the Dolphins have made Long several offers this off-season, but he has turned down every one of them. Long was quoted by NFL.com earlier this off-season, saying "whether or not I stay on Dolphins is 'on them.'"

That said, it's likely he'll remain a Dolphin given that the demands aren't too much for Miami. With Will Beatty recently signing a 5-year, $38.75M deal, it's likely Long wont settle for anything under $8 million per year, possibly even as much as a deal that gives him $10 million per season. Hefty price.

Others available: Andre Smith (CIN), Sebastian Vollmer (NE), Brendan Albert (KC), Brandon Moore (NYG), Todd McClure (ATL), Dan Koppen (DEN), Andy Levitre (BUF).


**You can check out there complete list of free agents here**

Up Next: Part 2--Top Defensive Free Agents

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