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Linebacker James Harrison, here trying to tackle Andy Dalton, is getting closer to joining Dalton's Bengals. (USATSI)

It's looking more and more like the Steelers, who released James Harrison last month, will have to face him twice this season.

The five-time Pro Bowl linebacker visited the Bengals on Thursday and the sides will meet again Monday to work out a contract, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Cincinnati remains interested in former Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby, but Harrison is more signable now, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.

Harrison has played his entire career in a 3-4 defense. In Cincinnati, he’d play strongside linebacker in Mike Zimmer’s 4-3 alongside Rey Maualuga and Vontaze Burfict. The Bengals lost strongside linebacker Manny Lawson in free agency to the Bills.

Harrison had 70 tackles and six sacks last season after missing the first three games while recovering from knee surgery. Turning 35 in May, Harrison was a first-team All-Pro in 2010 and 2008, when he won NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

The Steelers wanted him back but not for the $6.57 million he was set to earn in 2013. Harrison reportedly refused a pay cut, setting the stage for his possible move to an AFC North rival.