Less than a day after he was released, the market for Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley is active.
It's not exactly unexpected. The Oakland Raiders are the first of likely multiple suitors for the seven-year NFL veteran. Woodley had a productive 2013 season, and any perception of a drop-off in ability is misguided. The issue here is his health and his salary, both of which combine to create a significant amount of risk for the team paying him.
In the Steelers' case, the fact he was on the hook for $8.5 million this season created too much risk.
That risk will be largely mitigated by a willing team that can get Woodley to willingly accept less guaranteed money but loads of incentives - likely in the form of sack numbers and workout bonuses.
Woodley has the opportunity to likely earn a good chunk of the money he was slated to receive back, but it won't likely be in the form of guaranteed bonuses. But his market is heating up, and it's possible he can get someone to reach a little bit.
Heading to oak for a visit
— LaMarrWoodley (@LaMarrWoodley) March 12, 2014