LB James Harrison, Agent Interested In Eagles

 James Harrison and his representation consider Philadelphia a desirable landing spot for the Pro Bowl linebacker.

“They are one of the teams that we have talked about,” said Harrison’s agent, Bill Parise. “I think the Eagles would be a good fit with his skill set and what they want to do there.”

Harrison was released by Pittsburgh over the weekend after nine standout seasons in the black and gold, which included five Pro Bowl nods and a pair of Lombardi Trophies. Harrison, poised to make 7.6 million this season, was one of the many cap casualties across the league.  The Eagles have more than $30 million of cap room and can afford to spend more freely this offseason but will choose who they spend their money on carefully, particularly after the disastrous results from their 2011 shopping spree.

Chip Kelly and defensive coordinator Bill Davis intend on running some version of the 3-4, and certainly Harrison could assist with that transition.  But would the Eagles go for a 34-year-old in what many consider a rebuilding year? Howie Roseman told Birds 24/7 last week that age would not necessarily be a deterrent if the player helped the greater good.

“There are certain players that no matter what the age is, they set the right example, they do the right thing. As you’re building a culture, they help carry that culture forward. That’s important stuff,” said Roseman.

Then there is the opposite side of the coin. Would Harrison want to join a club in the process of trying to set its foundation, as opposed to one that is considered a more viable contender?

“With the coaching staff and personnel there, rebuilding won’t last long,” said Parise. “Philadelphia is a great, supportive town and the coaching staff is outstanding. It won’t scare us that they were not a playoff team last year. I think, frankly, it might be a really good place to go.”

Parise said that a couple teams have been in touch about Harrison, but the Eagles have not yet contacted him. The agent was not looking into that at all, given that the linebacker just recently hit the market. The process could take several weeks, he said.

It is to be seen whether the Eagles pursue Harrison, but it can at least be said that Harrison will  listen if they do.

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