Around The AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers Use The Franchise Tag On LaMarr Woodley

by Josh Kirkendall on Feb 18, 2011 2:39 PM EST in Around the SB Nation

PITTSBURGH PA - JANUARY 23: LaMarr Woodley #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates their 24 to 19 win over the New York Jets in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23 2011 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Last week Geoff Hobson wrote that the Cincinnati Bengals are not expected to use the franchise tag in 2011, allowing cornerback Johnathan Joseph and running back Cedric Benson to leave for free agency if terms to an agreement can't be reached. Some would argue that Johnathan Joseph hasn't proven to be durable enough for a $14 million franchise tag, or a long-term contract that could rank among the top-five cornerbacks in the NFL.

That being said, a second AFC North team officially franchised a player that would have been a free agent when a new Collective Bargaining Agreement was reached.

On Friday, the Pittsburgh Steelers officially used their franchise tag to keep outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley for another season. The 26-year old linebacker posted his third straight season with ten quarterback sacks or more. In 2010, Woodley finished the season with 10 sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and a touchdown (any guesses against whom?).

Much like Baltimore with Ngata, Pittsburgh is likely using the franchise tag to seal Woodley for another year, allowing the team to come to a long-term contract.

Woodley becomes the eighth player franchised this offseason (Note: seven of the eight franchise tags were handed out by teams that went to the playoffs last year).

Team	Player	Position
Pittsburgh Steelers	LaMarr Woodley	LB	(Non-Exclusive)
New England Patriots	Logan Mankins	G	(Non-Exclusive)
New York Jets	David Harris	LB	(Exclusive)
San Diego Chargers	Vincent Jackson	WR	(Non-Exclusive)
Baltimore Ravens	Haloti Ngata	DT	(Non-Exclusive)
Indianapolis Colts	Peyton Manning	QB	(Exclusive)
Kansas City Chiefs	Tambi Hali	LB	(Non-Exclusive)
Philadelphia Eagles	Michael Vick	QB	(Non-Exclusive)

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I think that's Larry Foote in the pic actually, probably mislabeled by AP.

Regardless, there is speculation that this franchise tag may only be to hold onto him for one more year until Jason Worilds is more prepared to take over that spot. Partly because of Worilds, and partly because Timmons will be up for re-signing next year too ad there is only so much cash to go around. We’ll see, for now I’m glad he’ll be in Balck and Gold next year. I’d like to ee them work out a 3 or 4 year deal maybe, but we’ll see.

You’re in an interesting place with your franchise tags. Each possible “franchise” player has some depth behind them, so they’re not huge must re-signs. I’m interested to see who you choose.

I have not yet begun to procrastinate.

by NYSteelersFan4 on Feb 18, 2011 2:59 PM EST reply actions

RE:

The way it’s looking, it doesn’t look like we’ll choose anyone. Even in our CB position, there really isn’t much confidence with depth. I mean, Adam Jones had a fine season, covering the third WR as a Nickel and quarterbacks had a passer rating of 109.9 when throwing to guys he’s covering. Plus there’s the neck injury he suffered last season. Will he be recovered from that? He’s still in a brace.

Morgan Trent could be a candidate, having flashes. But really, in the end, he’s no JJ.

Managing Editor at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Feb 18, 2011 5:51 PM EST up reply actions

Not To Change The Subject Josh

I wanna bring up a talk between Reedy and Whit,that shows whit also thinks Carson is very serious on his trade demand,they are very close on and off the field,I started the band wagon on Dan Lefevour at QB,telling everyone that we had someone already on this roster Carsons replacement,and I think we all can agree that if you are starting over,you need to start from the top,and where Im impressed with some of the moves,Im also see the dark side,and it all started with Lewis coming back,I still think to this day that Lewis wouldnt be here if he had got one phone call after meeting #2 from his representatives,when he left that meeting #2,he contacted them,seen they didnt get one hit,he knew that this was his only option to stay as a head coach in the NFL,then as soon as he came back,Bengals media reps say that Carson had no comment,and think now,why did the Bengals need to talk for Carson,Carson wasnt interested either way,so when it was time after Lewis’s return,Carson goes to Mike Brown and tells him he wants traded,Mike tells him hes not gonna,so Carson says he will just retire,all this time,Chads acting up saying he’d play for jets,raiders,or anyone that will pay him the 6mill thats owed on his contract,knowing that he’d never get that on the open market,thats why he would stay here,so he can get paid,he knows if released,hes not gonna see that 6mill,and he wont be back here next year regardless,the Bengals are in a mess,you only got one WR signed after next year,you got one OL signed after next year,you can also say that about RB too,and no back up QB (lets face it Palmers younger brother was only here to keep Carson happy),so you see,Carson knows this team is a mess,and he is correct,but we as fans have been “Bengalized” and we been thru 90’s where you heaved after every game on Sundays,but we never quit like Carson is doing,I will be Bengal Fan till I leave this life,but when I say it to another,they always tell me,your a diehard football fan to follow such a team,and I tell them I got the scars to prove it,I guess I needed to let some know,we are NOT Quiters,We are,And always Will Be,Bengals Fans…heres the link to Reedys chat with Whit …

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/2011/02/18/whitworth-discusses-labor-mediation-carson/

by Primal on Feb 18, 2011 4:26 PM EST reply actions