The Ravens are looking to bolster their pass rush this offseason, especially with outside linebacker Paul Kruger leaving for Cleveland in free agency.
One name that has been mentioned as a possible target is former Steeler James Harrison.
The outside linebacker was released as part of an effort to clear salary cap space, and his agent Bill Parise told The Baltimore Sun that he's been in communication with Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome about bringing Harrison to Baltimore.
While Harrison has been hated by Ravens fans throughout his 10 years in Pittsburgh, he could be a nice fit for a Ravens defense that wants to add a pass rusher.
"I think there's a role for him," said former NFL general manager and current NFL Network analyst Charley Casserly.
Harrison is a five-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Player of the Year (2008), but he's coming off a relatively disappointing season where he battled injuries and notched just six sacks, his lowest total since 2006.
"There was a fall-off in his play last year," Casserly said. "I didn't see the same explosion that he had before."
Harrison, 34, did show that he could still make his presence felt at times. He had a critical strip-sack of quarterback Joe Flacco in the Steelers' Week 13 victory over the Ravens.
He's not the defensive juggernaut he was a few seasons ago, but Harrison could still fill a need for the Ravens. And most importantly, he will likely come at a discount compared to some of the other pass rushers because he's on the backside of his career.
"With James Harrison, again it would have to be at the right price," Casserly said. "He's toward the end of his career. You're not sure what you're going to get. You'd want a one-year deal."
