Steelers Lamarr Woodley extended for 6 years!

**Zachintosh66** · 08-05-2011, 07:45 AM

LaMarr Woodley announces a new long-term deal

Posted by Mike Florio on August 5, 2011, 6:56 AM EDT

As of Thursday, the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to clear more than $8 million in cap space in order to comply with the salary cap. Part of that process apparently was to reduce the eight-figure franchise-tag number for linebacker LaMarr Woodley by giving him a long-term deal.

Woodley has announced via Twitter and Facebook (but apparently not “MyFace”) that he will retire in Pittsburgh and that he’s a Steeler “for life.”

He disclosed no details of the deal.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has said that he’s willing to restructure his contract to help create cap space, a process that can be done without reducing compensation.

UPDATE: Per a source with knowledge of the situation, it’s a six-year, $61.5 million deal. He’ll make $18.1 million in 2011 and $27 million over two years, making him the second highest-paid Steeler of all time, behind only Roethlisberger. The cap number for 2011 is not yet known.

**Thisoneguy555** · 08-05-2011, 07:55 AM

I think Woodley is a great player and all, but he's not worth being the 2nd highest paid Steeler of all time.

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 08-05-2011, 08:08 AM

Wow that deal is higher than even I thought, 61.5 million, WOW! I can see the 6 year deal, that helps ease the cap burden tremendously by spreading out the signing bonus over that long. Possibly also putting a good chunk of that money in the final year or 2 as well. We'll find out soon enough what the terms are, but either way getting him locked up for the long run was a must have deal to get done considering the names that will be up for free agency in 2012. That tag is now freed up for them to use on Timmons or Polamalu next year if they need it.

**Ibleedblk&gld** · 08-05-2011, 08:12 AM

Saw this a little bit ago...as a Michigan fan and in the closet woodley lover, this gives me a chub

**steelchamp204** · 08-05-2011, 08:20 AM

Man I would hate to see how much we will have to resign timmons for. Not saying Woodley is bad, But I think he needs to cut some weight to be a better pass cover guy when he drops back

**LatrobePA** · 08-05-2011, 08:28 AM

That's some coin...Congrats Wood!

**TampaSteelGirl** · 08-05-2011, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by Ibleedblk&gld

Saw this a little bit ago...as a Michigan fan and in the closet woodley lover, this gives me a chub

ME TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO AND IM A CHICK!!!

**JensK** · 08-05-2011, 08:57 AM

Huge contract, but those LBs gets payed a lot these days so it was to be expected. The great thing is the way the structured the contract. Sure, the Rooneys will have to pay a lot, but it is a really cap friendly deal not only this year but also the next couple of years as well, which should make it possible to pull the same kind of contract with both Timmons and Polamalu should they wish to maintain both.