Steelers/NFL
Barring a miracle and the NFL/NFLPA agreeing to a new CBA agreement, Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Willie Colon will miss out on cashing in this off-season. Hence, Colon will be a restricted free agent.
Regarded by some coaching staff members as the Steelers best offensive lineman who continues to get better, Colon has started every game over the past three years.
Last March, the Steelers signed the 26 year old Colon to a one year – $2,198,000 contract, after making a first round tender.
If Colon had signed elsewhere and the Steelers failed to match that offer, they would have received a first-round draft pick as compensation.
This year the Steelers will use a first round tender or a first round/third round tender to retain Colon.
Here is the breakdown of the 1st round tender and/or 1st and third round tenders that the Steelers could make to Colon.
1st round Tender — $2.521 million
*If Colon had signs elsewhere and the Steelers fail to match that offer, they would have received a first-round draft pick as compensation
1st round and 3rd round tender –$3.168 million
*If Colon signs elsewhere and the Steelers fail to match that offer, they would have received a first-round draft pick and a third-round draft pick as compensation.
There is some thought that the Steelers would like to sign Colon long-term but may not be able to financially with Santonio Holmes and LaMarr Woodley entering the final year of their contracts.
Both players are demanding upwards of $15 million guaranteed.
