The Pittsburgh Steelers and their outside linebacker, LaMarr Woodley, made his franchise tender of $10.2 million in 2011 official. He is the third AFC North player to be tagged by their team. The other two are Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata and Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson. That leaves one team in the division that hasn't utilized their franchise tag even though they have a top defensive back and running back heading to free agency.
Can you guess which team that is?
In four years, Woodley has amassed 37.5 sacks, 186 tackles, forced seven fumbles and intercepted three passes. Last season he had 50 tackles, 10 sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles.
The Steelers will continue to try and work out a long-term extension with Woodley. Because Woodley is a former second-round pick who didn't make a large salary, neither side could do much because of the 30-percent rule under the current collective bargaining agreement. A new CBA will provide an opportunity for both sides to resume negotiations.
The deadline for NFL teams to use their franchise tags is Thursday.