The Steelers were one of many teams that needed to cut cap by Friday. They were $8 million over the cap and looking to restructure deals as opposed to cutting players.
The Steelers had placed the franchise tag on OLB LaMarr Woodley which would have put Woodley’s 2011 cap number in the eight figures. Now they have made Woodley the second highest paid Steeler in the history of the organization. Second to QB Ben Roethlisberger’s 8-year, $102 million deal.
LaMarr Woodley has agreed to a 6-year, $61.5 million deal that will $18.1 million in the first year and $27 million over the first two years.
Woodley outpaced fellow Steeler OLB James Harrison who signed a 6-year, $51.7 million deal in 2009.
Woodley has 39 sacks in his four year career. He drew some criticism recently about his comments to Baltimore Raven QB Joe Flacco. Woodley stated that Flacco would never make it to a Super Bowl during his lifetime. I guess this signing means the Ravens shouldn’t expect to be Super Bowl contenders at least until 2017.