Jason La Canfora reports that the Steelers have officially placed the franchise tag on linebacker LaMarr Woodley as expected and will announce the move later today. It has long been speculated that Woodley would be franchised as the team works towards getting a long term deal with the left outside linebacker. 2010 was the final year of Woodley\’s rookie contract in which it paid him $550,000 in base salary and with bonus money, he was a around a $900,000 cap charge.
Woodley has recorded 10 or more sacks over the last 3 seasons and has 39 for his career along with being credited with 186 tackles. The Steelers will likely wait until a new labor agreement is finalized before continuing to work out a long term deal. It is currently projected that the franchise tag on linebackers will be worth approximately $10.2 million in 2011, but that could change as could the franchise tag rules and distinctions as the NFL and NFLPA continue negotiations to work out a new agreement.
