Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison proposed that the Steelers trade multiple high draft picks to acquire Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Cincinnati Bengals alumnus Pacman Jones sharply criticized Harrison, accusing him of tampering. Jones urged Harrison to stop trying to lure Burrow to Pittsburgh.
James Harrison, appearing on his Deebo and Joe podcast on Friday, suggested the Pittsburgh Steelers offer three first-round picks, a second-round pick, and a third-round pick to the Cincinnati Bengals for quarterback Joe Burrow. 'Hey Steelers, three [first-round picks] for anybody, they’re gone,' Harrison said. 'They can’t turn that down…I’ll give you three firsts, a second, and a third…I’ve got the team, all I need is the quarterback. Joe Burrow, you see we’re number one, we’re building.' Harrison has pitched this idea before, highlighting the Steelers' defensive strength and the Bengals' struggles against it, while noting their quarterback needs amid a rotation including Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Aaron Rodgers. He argued the Bengals' defense 'can’t stop a nosebleed' and should rebuild with the picks. Harrison acknowledged the deal's appeal but noted its improbability, especially to a division rival. In response, former Bengals cornerback Pacman Jones, speaking on BetOnline’s Politely Raw podcast, lashed out at Harrison. 'James Harrison had a comment talking about talking to Joe Burrow to go to Pittsburgh — the shitty-ass state,' Jones said. He dismissed Pittsburgh as a downgrade, citing poor NFLPA survey grades, pothole issues, and Burrow's Ohio roots. 'We are orange and black, not yellow and black,' Jones added. 'This organization that had all Fs on this G-damn report card? It seems like it would be a downgrade.' Jones revealed he called Harrison directly: 'Hey, stop tampering with our fucking players.' The exchange revives longstanding bad blood between the teams, dating to the mid-2010s with players like Vontaze Burfict and Jones. No trade is expected, given Burrow's franchise status and divisional rivalry.
