Steelers team president Art Rooney II said he is “optimistic” that the team will reach a long-term deal with LB James Harrison, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Friday.

Harrison, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, came up with a key play in Super Bowl XLIII — a memorable 100-yard interception return for a touchdown right before the half.

Re-signing Harrison, who is in the final year of a deal that is scheduled to pay him $1.2 million, is a top priority for the Steelers, but that doesn’t mean it’s quick and easy, according to the paper.

Bill Parise, Harrison’s agent, said he and the Steelers have talked regularly, but no breakthrough has been made.

“Those things, they do tend to drag when you’re trying to extend somebody,” Rooney II said.

Harrison, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, set a team record with 16 sacks during the regular season. He also collected 101 tackles and seven forced fumbles with one interception.

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