The Pittsburgh Steelers placed the franchise tag on outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley on Friday. Woodley, who was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft, made $550,000 during the final year of his rookie contract in 2010. Under the current collective bargaining agreement, Woodley will now receive the average pay of the top five salaries at his position, paying the 26-year-old linebacker approximately $10.2 million in 2011 if the parties don't agree on a long-term contract.
The standout product from Michigan has recorded double-digit sacks during the last three regular seasons. Since 2008, he ranks fourth in the NFL with 35 sacks. Additionally, he has been a force in the playoffs, recording at least one sack in all seven career postseason games dating back to 2007.
The Steelers hope to sign Woodley to a long-term deal like they did in 2009 with franchised tackle Max Starks.
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