Steelers Free Agency 2013: Willie Colon expected to be released
By Matt Shetler
As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the NFL’s free agency period, which kicks off at 4.pm. on Tuesday, general manager Kevin Colbert is still hard at work attempting to free cap space, not necessarily to go out and sign other teams free agents, but to create enough room to keep their own and sign their upcoming draft picks.
After releasing linebacker James Harrison on Saturday and restructuring the contract of linebacker LaMarr Woodley earlier on Tuesday, it looks as if Colbert is turning his attention to offensive lineman Willie Colon.
Gerry Dulac is reporting that the Steelers expected to cut Colon today and designate him for June 1 release. By not officially releasing Colon until June 1, they will save $5.5 million in cap room, compared to the $1.4 million they would save if they cut him today.
August 12, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Willie Colon (74) during the game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
The writing was all but on the wall for the often injured Colon when the Steelers announced that they had re-signed Ramon Foster to a three-year deal.
With Foster in place and five other young lineman in place (David DeCastro, Mike Adams, Marcus Gilbert, Maurkice Pouncey and Kelvin Beachum), there is really no room on the roster for an injury plagued Colon, nor his $5 million plus salary.
Even though the release of Colon won’t become official until June 1, this allows the veteran to look for work with another team now, even though he won’t be able to sign until officially released.
Keep checking back to City of Champions Sports for all of the wheeling’s and dealings once free agency begins at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.