Ex-Steelers LB James Harrison meeting with Bengals

Mike Garafolo and Joe Reedy, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

James Harrison appears to be making a tour of the AFC North in an attempt to join one of the Pittsburgh Steelers' rivals.

The outspoken linebacker is visiting the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, according to a person informed of the meeting between the sides. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the team doesn't comment on free-agent visits.

Harrison was to meet with the Baltimore Ravens recently and was in Baltimore but did not meet with the team because the Ravens reached an agreement with Elvis Dumervil instead.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported late last month the Steelers told Harrison they're not interested in having him back. The team cut him after attempts to work out a pay cut from his scheduled salary of $6.57 million failed.

As prideful as he can be, Harrison surely wants a chance to face the Steelers twice per season.

This is the third day in a row the Bengals have held a meeting with a free-agent linebacker. Akeem Jordan and Karlos Dansby visited the team this week.

The team re-signed inside linebacker Rey Maualuga last month and coach Marvin Lewis said at the owners meetings in Arizona last month Maualuga would remain in the middle. Outside linebacker Manny Lawson signed with the Buffalo Bills, so there's a spot to be filled opposite Vontaze Burfict.

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