Steelers Lamarr Woodley to Become a Free Agent in 2011
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jul 13, 2010 8:29 AM EDT
in Redskins Analysis
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PrintThe 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...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. [espn]
This certainly raises some flags for free agency next March. It's anyone's guess how the Andre Carter experience will work out, but I still have my doubts. The Redskins said they don't plan to use him in coverage much, which he struggled in San Fran with, so wouldn't an obvious game plan be to send TEs on his side? Lorenzo Alexander is learning coverage schemes now, so the OLB position is a bit of a myriad. The Redskins' Linebackers Coach of course is Lou Spanos, who coached Woodley his entire three-year career in the Burgh.
Oh, and there's the fact we have an owner with a bottomless wallet. He's only 26 years old and made the Pro-Bowl last year. At Michigan he played DE and LB and was the Co-MVP of the 2005 Rose Bowl with Vince Young.
Update: Woodley would become a RFA next year under the current terms of the CBA.
Career Stats
Tackles
Sacks
Interceptions
Misc
Season
Team
G
Solo
Ast
Total
Sack
YdsL
Int
Yds
IntTD
DefTD
FFum
PD
Sfty
2007-08
Pittsburgh
13
14
0
14
4.0
36
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
2008-09
Pittsburgh
15
41
19
60
11.5
85
1
6
0
1
2
2
0
2009-10
Pittsburgh
16
50
12
62
13.5
84
0
0
0
1
1
6
0
Career
44
105
31
136
29.0
205
1
6
0
2
4
8
0
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Wouldn't he be a restricted free agent?
Kind of like Carlos Rogers and Rocky McIntosh were this year- wouldn’t we have to send a pick to the Steelers to compensate signing him? If so, then I do not like this deal. We should build in the draft instead with that pick at OLB if the team struggles in that area.
Indeed
he would become a RFA next year, but who knows what the CBA will be if anything. RFAs are from year 4-6. UFA after that….so you’re correct, in the most likely scenario he’ll be a RFA.
Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jul 13, 2010 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Given that we have no 3rd or 4th round picks next year...
I would not want to sacrifice a 1st or 2nd round pick that the Steelers would likely tender him at because we will have no top picks again, and we know we need to stop trading away all of our picks year after year and build through the draft instead.
That being said, if the new CBA applies different rules for tendering RFA’s, and we’d have to sacrifice less, then I would be all for adding a competent player like Woodley.
couldn't agree more
Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jul 13, 2010 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
If a new CBA is reached, and the CBA goes back to how it was,
He would actually be a UFA in 2011. (he would have 4 years of tenure)
Players that have played four or more full seasons in the league, and whose contract has expired, are considered “Unrestricted Free Agents”(see below) and have unlimited rights to negotiate with any club. Teams may name a single player in any given year as a “Franchise Player” (see below), which eliminates much of that player’s negotiation rights. This is a limited right of the team, however, and affects only a small handful of players each year
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
i need a book on the CBA
If an agreement is reached, I’m sure they’d be quick to lock him up before free agency. Although if the Steelers stink this year and he holds a grudge for them not re-signing him when they had the chance, you never know. I’d imagine he’d get a lot more $$ elsewhere if he hit UFA.
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by Kevin Ewoldt on Jul 14, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
why not?
it does come to mind, of course, why aren’t the Steelers willing to negotiate with a pro-bowl LB…unless of course that is the reason why (perhaps they feel his bargaining leverage is more likely to go down than up). Big bucks is a pretty vague term, but sure, why not at least throw our hat into the ring. I don’t know much about him….which is probably good as we seem to hear a lot more about the players that screw up than ones that do things right.
Saw this on ESPN this morning and the same thoughts went through my head.
I wouldn’t mind seeing him in a Redskins uniform at all, this guy is a stud and shouldn’t be looked over by any organization especially ours thats transitioning to a 3-4 which we don’t have the personnel for which he excels at.
The Steelers are playing this smart...
Why pay him bucks this year before the CBA?
Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.
Steelers and LBs
The Steelers know how to draft LBs so they regularly let their starters go so this is no surprise. I’m not opposed to picking him up but I don’t think it should be our top priority.
The Steelers know how to draft LBs so they regularly let their starters go so this is no surprise.
Since we now have their LB coach, looks like we’re set now too. Yea, no way I see Lamarr making it to DC given the circumstances. Reading some Steelers blogs, fans would rather let Harrison go than Woodley.
Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jul 13, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Woodley>Harrison
Because Harrison’s career is on it’s downside and Woodley has proven himself as the real fucking deal ha. I also thought Woodley played better in their super bowl win than Harrison did (other than that ridiculous 99 yard pick 6).
Draft picks for star players! Draft picks for star players!
It hasn’t failed us yet!
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
If I could play Cerrato's advocate for a second
(bug eyes on)
“This is a bargain for a 1st round pick. Hell, I’ll even throw in a 2nd round pick in the 2012 draft. This guy is only 25 years and has been a sack MACHINE the last 2 years. With him and Orakpo on the corners, we’d(bug eyes off)sell more jerseys than anyonehave the best LB core of all time. We wouldn’t even need to field Safeties the QB would be in the dirt so much. I’m telling Danny now to make the trade happen today.”
Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jul 13, 2010 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
/Haynesworth rationale
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
OMG!
Jeeze, people! Don’t we have enough to worry about without delving into RFA signings for 2011?
There are enough question marks going into THIS year like: Do we have an o-line that can survive an injury or two? Do we have wideouts who can run routes, get open and catch the ball? Will all (or any) of the recycled FAs on the d-line pan out? Can Andre Carter play LB? Do we have a legit running back not currently on social security?
Hate to sound like Alfred E. Newman, but when it comes to 2011 RFA signings, I say, “What? Me worry?”
Why worry about replacing our 3 mediocre offensive line starters when we can dump more draft picks for
veteran players at other positions!??!
We have an untested LT and a good RT, that’s good enough right? Offensive line is overrated anyway. What did they ever do for anyone?
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
Agreed
but why not look at the option. There’s only so many times we can rehash the same discussions we’ve had since the start of the offseason before we start to go crazy.
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
LB vs OL
I like your priorities. I’d rather use our fire power on the O-line rather than on linebackers. They might prove to be very good or at least adequate. Same with WRs. I think we need more talent at WR, but if DT or one of the rookies works out, we’ll be OK. But with BMW out, we could really use a RG, so Hicks can back up everybody. For now, boost the O-line, hope for the best with other areas (unless it can be done with some kind of trade, using some guys we can spare).
And it's only a matter of time before Rabach becomes a serious liability, IMO
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
thats a good point....
I don’t know much about him, but I know I have heard that kid from the great state of Pennsylvania’s name thrown around….not just here, I heard his name a lot last year as well (Pitt or Penn St, I don’t remember)
Andre at LB
He’d better be able to, because that’s where he’s playing.
Woodley is a great 3-4 OLB and would warrant a 1st rounder easy
If we didn’t have other needs. Offensive line is still not good. Quarterback, Running back, defensive line. We need so much more before we address Carter (who knows how he’ll do). If we had picks to give up, I’d take him, but we just have WAY too many other more important holes. Great, underrated player though.
Defensive line is
deep in the 2011 draft.
by Jefferson1935 on Jul 13, 2010 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Steelers are playing this smart
like someone said, why pay him the big bucks this year with no CBA and the possibility of injury. But I’d love to get him. Don’t forget we don’t know how many more years Fletch can play and our 3-4 LB corps is suspect.
If we could work some magic with an AH deal next year maybe we get Woodley and then a QB and Olineman in the draft. Anything is possible.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Why are we even considering giving up a high draft pick?
Our purpose is to build through the draft, I’m pretty sure we want to reinvigorate this team with youth next draft. Again building through the draft is the only way we will ever be successful, make your own stars don’t buy them that’s the reason we had a horrible decade. Washington and Big Money Free Agents don’t mix, everyone has a habit of coming here whether it be basketball or football promising they will produce and then they go and give half ass performances. I don’t know about you but I’m growing a little tired of that.
by TerpsAllTheWay on Jul 13, 2010 12:11 PM EDT reply actions
Everyone, let's have some fun with the Eagles blogger....
Everyone vote Trent Williams on his post (but don’t leave comments).
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2010/7/13/1567198/could-lt-be-the-most-important
Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.
For some reason
They all picked Jason Peters, by a wide margin. I wonder why? Can anyone say overrated?
Fukin Homers
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
It sucks that our organization has made so many bad moves and given away so many draft picks that when a great player like Woodley comes along people are against brining him in solely because he might cost us a draft pick or two.
He’s young, talented, knows what it takes to win, plays a position that we have questions at, hasn’t hit his prime yet, and fits perfectly into Haslett’s defense. I believe our LB coach was his coach previously also. This isn’t your Brandon Lloyd, Jason, Taylor, Archuletta deal. I don’t think we should break the bank and give the steelers whatever they want for him, but if the Steeler really aren’t too high on keeping him then why would it hurt showing some interest.
why wouldn't you give up a pick for him?
He’s 25. How soon would a first round pick contribute? You have uncertaintly with nearly every pick in the draft. Woodley is a stud, plain and simple. He’d contribute right away and contribute a lot. I personally believe there’s no way the Steelers will let him go, but you guys would be crazy not to pick him up. He’s the real deal and a sure thing.
The argument against continually trading picks for veteran players looking for their big contract is long and well documented.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
if your team in is in order there is nothing wrong with it......
we are already out 3rd and 4th next year and I believe at least one more down the road……we are already filling key spots with players who haven’t played an NFL down in over a year, if at all……which is OK, for now, I think it is important that we bring an attittude of winning to the locker room……but we need to grow within the system…….kool-aid tinted, future seeing binoculars, I would love to get a solis team in place and have Kyle succeed his father…….long term is just as important as now, it is a difficult balance, may the Force be with us. (especially if “The Force” is a talented RB who eats crowbars for breakfast)
If you are asking how soon it takes for a 1st round pick to contribute---
Look no further than Brian Orakpo’s 11 sacks in year 1.
yup,
Orakpo’s the real deal. My point wasn’t that they can’t contribute year 1, but that it’s not a gauruntee that they will. Of course, it’s not a guaruntee that Woodley wont get injured this year either. I can totally understand why you Skins fans would be gunshy about free agents. My only point is you’d be getting a guy that would essentially be as good as anyone you would draft. But to be honest, all of this is premature since we have absolutely no idea how the new CBA is going to shake out. I wouldn’t be crushed if Wood left, especially to the Skins, whom I root for in the NFC. Anyone but the AFC North, the Pats or the Cowgirls.
lets be clear....
we don’t have a 3rd or 4th round pick next year and we are not using 1st or 2nd rounders on anything but “fatties” (per Fred Smoot).
LB’s are like RB’s, there are few that warrant a high pick.
The world looks mighty different when you're peeking out your belly button
by Skins Fan '77 on Jul 14, 2010 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
yes
LB’s are like RB’s, there are few that warrant a high pick.
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
As a 3-4 OLB
he’s not a traditional LB. He’s more like an Orakpo/Ware type guy. Those guys are pretty valuable, especially as pass rushers.
Stiil wouldn’t trade draft pick for him; just saying though.
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
Orakpo plays the same position as Woodley
and he made the pro bowl his rookie year. LB/DL/DE’s have the easiest transition form college to the pros. Many are great as rookies.
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
Hello from BTSC
I noticed your interest in Woodley. My thoughts on this are that our front office doesn’t like to stretch rules and such to solve issues like this. They are funny about these things. For instance, they don’t negotiate during the season…Period. They don’t like to lock up huge pots of money that will cripple them later. They don’t like signing marquee free agents because they are usually over priced.
In this case they would have to do something extreme to get around the 30% rule. Rather than look like they are trying to cheat the system the Roonies will wait the new CBA out. The media is running with the “stroy” that since they aren’t going to extend him now, they aren’t going to at all.
Trust me. They aren’t going to let Woodley walk like that. Barring a “poison pill” put in the CBA or the lack of a “protection clause” i.e. franchsie tag, they will easily keep him. If they have to get into a bidding war then he may be gone. They won’t sign and trade unless someone comes up with a “Ricky Williams” type deal. That most likely won’t happen.
If he went to another team I wouldn’t mind the Skins, since I have roots in the area. I graduated from Central High in Maryland.
By the way your stats on Woodley don’t show his fumbled return for TD against the Vikings. I was at that game.
Also…You guys have the hottest cheerleaders in the league. Hands down. Let me stop before I drool on my keyboard thinking about them.
Thanks Kevin, I appreciate letting me get in the conversation.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
Latest on this front
http://www.mlive.com/sports/saginaw/index.ssf/2010/07/lamarr_woodley_expected_to_rem.html
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
nice...yea, Steelers aren't letting him go
Although if the Steelers have a horrible year, who knows.
Hogs Haven. On Twitter. And Facebook.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Jul 13, 2010 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
True one thing I've learned about the Steelers
Nothing is a given.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
by PixburghArn on Jul 14, 2010 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
I forgot
Yes he will be unrestricted next year.
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Winston Churchill
My guess is
he will never hit the FA market. I’m sure a deal gets done prior to FA in 2011. At worst case, he can will franchised.
As it seems the Steelers are in need of some O-line help, any chance they will trade him to the Skins for Stephon Heyer?
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
That loud thump you just heard
was the city of Pittsburgh falling to the ground in laughter.
SpottieOttieDopaliscious
OK
Heyer, and we’ll throw in Edwin Williams
Don't ever let failure get you down. Remember, a very successful major league hitter failes 70% of the time.
Trade
Just don’t sweeten the pot with my guy, Colt. I have to wonder though, would anybody give us anything for Heyer?
You're really wondering?
"By far the worst performers on the team are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
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