Source: Woodley likely to be free agent | Page 2

jreff22 · 2010-07-12T13:12:26-07:00

He is not a free agent yet but figured it could go in here Barring an unforeseen change of circumstances, a Pro Bowl linebacker could hit the free-agent market next season. The Pittsburgh Steelers have decided not to give outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley a contract extension before the start of the 2010 season, a source told ESPN.com on Monday. Woodley is in the final year of his rookie deal and will make $550,000 this season, making him one of the NFL's best bargains. It's extremely rare that the Steelers negotiate with players during the season, which means Woodley would be set to become a free agent next March. The source added that it's highly unlikely the Steelers would change their stance on Woodley between now and September. Pittsburgh is primarily focused on filling its right tackle position and could spend money there following the season-ending Achilles injury to Willie Colon. Woodley is facing the same dilemma as a lot of NFL players seeking extensions this offseason. New rules during the uncapped year have made things complicated. The league's 30 percent rule, in particular, is the biggest hurdle. By rule, Woodley could only make a maximum salary of $598,000 in 2010, which is a 30 percent increase over last season. The subsequent salaries could only go up 30 percent for the life of the contract. That means a substantial bulk of an extension would be put into bonuses, which the Steelers are not interested in at this time. A one-year franchise tag for Woodley also is a possibility, although there are no guarantees that the use of a franchise tag will be included in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Woodley, 25, has been one of the league's most dominant outside linebackers during his first two years as a starter. He has combined for 25 sacks in that span and made his first Pro Bowl last season. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5374264

Source: Woodley likely to be free agent

Jul 13, 2010 at 10:27 PM

#16

pelos21
Veteran
Posts: 7,750

Originally posted by Frisco69ers:
trade Lawspn and a 3rd

Fixed

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Jul 14, 2010 at 10:49 PM

#17

bigmike55
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Posts: 3,474

I don't think the Steelers are going to let a player like Woodley go so easily.

Jul 14, 2010 at 11:08 PM

#18

adrenaline
Veteran
Posts: 12,015

Originally posted by Allx9er:
resign manny or go after woodley...decisions, decisions

If Nolan and co. knew what they were doing, he could've already been here from the start.

Jul 15, 2010 at 11:22 AM

#19

lamontb
Veteran
Posts: 33,126

Originally posted by adrenaline:
Originally posted by Allx9er:
resign manny or go after woodley...decisions, decisions

If Nolan and co. knew what they were doing, he could've already been here from the start.

I think that would have meant drafting him over Staley when they traded back into the 1st round.

Jul 15, 2010 at 12:52 PM

#20

fanmusclecars
Veteran
Posts: 9,222

Originally posted by bigmike55:
I don't think the Steelers are going to let a player like Woodley go so easily.

The Steelers like to sign players for cheap. They are usually unwilling to "break-the-bank" with large signings (Big Ben is one of the few exceptions).

They will give Woodley a "fair" offer and see if he's willing to take a discount.