James Harrison and DeMarcus Ware couldn't have had more dissimilar starts to their careers. Harrison was an undrafted free agent who played in NFL Europe and toiled away on the Ravens' and Steelers' practice squads; Ware has been a starter since the Cowboys drafted him 11th overall in 2005. Both linebackers have been to multiple Pro Bowls, and Harrison was named the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year. And on Monday, he got a shiny, new deal out of it. Originally set to make just over $1 million next season, the Steelers renegotiated his contract to pay him more in line with his talents: six years, $51.2 million, $20 million guaranteed.
Seems like a lot of coin -- particularly since he'll be 31 on May 4 -- but it's all a matter of perspective. First, 2007 was Harrison's first full season as the starter, replacing Joey Porter. Prior to that, he had seven starts in four seasons. So, unlike 33-year-old Ray Lewis -- whose body has taken beating four months out of the year since he came into the league in 1996 -- Harrison is a relatively young 31.
Second, Harrison's deal will seem like a bargain when the Cowboys re-sign Ware. Joe Trahan of Dallas' WFFA-TV writes:
Described as hard-working, tenacious and a nightmare to opposing offenses, now Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware is on the verge of signing a new contract that will probably make him a $100-million man.The total money doesn't really matter -- Albert Haynseworth also signed a nine-figure deal on paper -- it's all about the guaranteed loot. Big Al got $41 million from the Redskins; given that Ware is 26 and coming off his best season (a lot of people thought he should have won POY -- and when you register 20 sacks in 16 games, it makes for a convincing argument), $41 million sounds about right. A sampling of Cowboys' fans think it'll be a little less than that.
Bright side: Jerry Jones isn't afraid to spend money. Plus, it could be worse: Ware could play for the Titans.
