Steelers linebacker Lamarr Woodley didn’t want to wait to lock in his expected $10 million salary for 2011.
Florio has confirmed that Woodley signed his franchise tag on Wednesday. (Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported the move.) Woodley’s signature guarantees his eight-figure salary, and doesn’t prevent him from negotiating a long-term deal in the future.
Based on Woodley’s signature, the NFLPA has apparently given up contesting the validity of the franchise tag. Panthers center Ryan Kalil is also expected to sign his one-year tender before a possible work stoppage.
UPDATE: The union won’t give up their position on franchise tags.