Steelers to part ways with LaMarr Woodley

LaMarr Woodley has been a part of the fabric of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense since he was selected in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft.  After struggling the past few years with injuries and the emergence of Jason Worilds, Woodley looks to be a part of Steelers history.  The team will release Woodley tomorrow and designate him as a post-June 1 loss, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

 

Steelers will release LB LaMarr Woodley at 4 ET Tuesday, designate him a post June 1 casualty, per source. He will be free to sign Tuesday.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2014

The Steelers placed the transition tag on Worilds last week.  The move appeared to point out the writing on the wall for Woodley who signed a $61.5 million contract shortly after the 2011 NFL lockout – one that could be one of the worst deals in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise.  Between 2008, when he took over as the starting LOLB, and 2010, Woodley recorded 35 sacks.  In the past three seasons with Pittsburgh, following his new contract, Woodley battled injuries and was only able to put together half that number.

Once considered a premier athlete on the Steelers roster, Woodley’s stock began to fail when rumors that he wasn’t keeping himself in playing shape took form.  Regardless, Woodley is just 29 years old and has the potential to be signed by another team due to his talent.  He can sign with another team as soon as Tuesday.

With the designated post-June 1 cut, the Steelers will take a large hit to the salary cap, but will be able to spread it over two years.  The Steelers will save near $8 million on this year’s cap, but won’t have access to it until June 2.