Since the end of the 2008 season and their 6th Super Bowl trophy was hoisted, the Steelers have been trying to get a deal done with defensive MVP and outstanding linebacker James Harrison. Problem is, a deal is not even close to being reached according to today’s Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

The Steelers remain far apart in their negotiations with outside linebacker James Harrison, whom they would like to reward with a new contract before the 2009 season. … negotiations with Harrison have slowed, and the sides remain far apart on a new contract for the NFL’s defensive player of the year. Harrison has one year remaining on a contract that will pay him $1.4 million in 2009, and it is not likely there will be an agreement anytime soon on a new deal.

The Steelers will continue to try to come up with a way to get Harrison a new deal well before the start of training camp in July, but without a new deal, there is going to be tons of questions about his status and going into this year as his possible final one as a Steeler.

Push will come to shove eventually on Harrison, and a deal will have to get done or the Steelers very well could lose him next year in free agency.