Steelers Free Agency 2013: Willie Colon reportedly signs with Jets
By Matt Shetler
It didn’t take long for offensive lineman Willie Colon to find work.
After being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in the week, it looks as if Colon is headed to the Big Apple.
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
According to Adam Caplan of TheSidelineView.com, Colon signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million with the New York Jets.
Colon, 29, played 62 games over the last six seasons for the Steelers and while he was playing very well last season, he missed the last five games in 2012 due to injury. Injuries told the story of Colon’s career in Pittsburgh as the talented guard could just never stay healthy.
The seven-year pro has ties to New York as he is a Bronx native and Hofstra grad.
Colon played both tackle and guard for the Steelers and won a Super Bowl as a teammate of Santonio Holmes, who is also a member of the Jets, in 2009. If he is healthy, which is a big if, Colon’s physical style will fit in nicely with what Jets’ head coach Rex Ryan wants.
Injury after injury and drive killing holding call after holding call did not endear him to Steelers fans over the years. That, plus a contract that paid him over $5 million this season led to his release. The Steelers chose to sign guard Ramon Foster to a three-year deal, which all but spelled the end for Colon’s time as a Steeler.
He won’t officially become a member of the Jets until after June 1, as he won’t officially be released until then for salary cap purposes.
Check back often to City of Champions Sports for continual updates on all of the wheelings and dealings of Steelers free agency.