Peter Diana, Post-Gazette James Harrison has recorded 53 tackles and four sacks in two seasons with the Steelers. Click photo for larger image.

Backup outside linebacker James Harrison, a football player without a job two years ago, signed a four-year, $5.5 million contract with the Steelers yesterday.

Harrison's contract expired after last season but with only two years experience he was an exclusive rights free agent who could not become unrestricted until 2008. Usually, teams do not sign such players to long-term deals until the following year or the one after.

He received a $1,375,000 signing bonus as part of the contract.

"It's extremely rare," said Bill Parise, Harrison's agent from Beaver County. "I think it speaks to how valuable it is to the Steelers; the size also speaks to that. This is a guy they feel is an important part of their team for the future. They've committed to him. I don't think there's ever been an exclusive rights player signed to this kind of contract."

Parise said Harrison can earn another $1 million if he becomes a starter in the final two years of the deal.

Harrison, who turns 28 May 4, signed with the Steelers as an undrafted rookie from Kent State in 2002 but did not make their 53-man roster until 2004. He signed one week before training camp opened that summer after Clark Haggans' hand was broken while he was lifting weights.

Harrison not only made the team, but he also became their top backup at outside linebacker and started four games that season. He can play inside linebacker and is one of their more productive special teams players.

Harrison (6-0, 242) started three more games last year and finished with 30 tackles, three sacks and an interception. His interception was memorable because he returned it 25 yards in San Diego after hurtling All-Pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson on the play.

James Harrison has recorded 53 tackles and four sacks in two seasons with the Steelers.