Steelers OLB LaMarr Woodley is expected to be released
By Mike Dyce
The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed the transitional tag on linebacker Jason Worilds. It isn’t like the franchise tag and there is a chance that he could leave the team and what happens plays a huge role on the future of outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley.
From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
"The designation ensures that the Steelers will not make a decision on veteran linebacker LaMarr Woodley until after Worilds’ situation is known. Woodley is set to count $13.6 million against the cap this year and would likely be released if the Steelers retain Worilds.Woodley, a second-round pick in 2007, has missed 14 games and parts of six others since signing a $61.5 million deal in 2011."
Worilds was also drafted in the second round, but in the 2010 draft, and had a career year in 2013. Under the transition tag, if a team signs Worilds, the Steelers have five days to match the offer. If the Steelers don’t match the offer, they do not get compensation for losing Worilds.
If no team signs Worilds, the Steelers can negotiate a long-term contract, otherwise he will play on a 1-year deal worth $9.754 million.