PITTSBURGH — The AFC North just exploded. Former Steelers linebacker James Harrison dropped a massive claim on the “Deebo & Joe” podcast, stating he is actively recruiting Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to the Steel City. Harrison didn’t just suggest the move; he told co-host Joe Haden that he talks to the 29-year-old signal-caller on a “weekly, bi-weekly basis” about forcing a trade to the Black and Gold.
Steelers fans are already printing the jerseys, but the reality is complicated. Burrow is currently tied to a $275 million contract that runs through 2029. Despite Cincinnati missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, the Bengals have shown zero interest in handing their crown jewel to a divisional rival. Still, Harrison is relentless. He revealed he has been urging Burrow to talk to Bengals owner Mike Brown about a change of scenery.
The timing is electric. Pittsburgh is currently trapped in the “Rodgers Watch,” awaiting a retirement decision from veteran Aaron Rodgers. With Mike McCarthy now at the helm as Head Coach, the Steelers need a long-term answer. While Will Howard remains on the roster, he hasn’t convinced the front office he is the “guy.” Burrow, a three-time Pro Bowler with 157 career touchdowns, would change the franchise’s trajectory instantly.
Ben Roethlisberger addressed the noise on his own podcast, admitting Harrison brought the idea to him directly. “Big Ben” seemed stuck between shock and skepticism, wondering if his old teammate was pulling a fast one. “I don’t know if he’s trying to get me to say something crazy,” Roethlisberger noted, though he called the prospect of Burrow in Pittsburgh a “no-brainer.”
“I’ve been doing a lot of talking to Joe Burrow. I’ve been conversating with him on a weekly, bi-weekly basis. I talked to him on the phone yesterday… We’ve been talking about him going up there and talking to Mr. Brown… to maybe get into black and gold.”— James Harrison, Retired Steelers Linebacker
Cincinnati is already pushing back. Bengals legend Pacman Jones reportedly called Harrison to demand he “stop tampering” with their players. If a trade actually happened, the price would be astronomical. Experts suggest it would cost at least three first-round picks plus an “AFC North tax” premium.
The Bengals are fighting to fix their defensive line this offseason to maximize Burrow’s window, but Harrison’s public recruitment has already soured the water. For Pittsburgh, the move would be the biggest heist in NFL history. For Cincinnati, it would be a franchise-ending disaster. As the draft approaches, the Steel City is holding its breath to see if “Deebo” can actually pull off the impossible.
