The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to release left guard Willie Colon, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The oft-injured Colon has been discussed as a likely candidate to be cut during the offseason after ending the 2012 season on injured reserve. As recently as Monday, however, it appeared that the Steelers would hold on to him. That is apparently no longer the case.
Steelers expected to release Willie Colon, according to report
After it appeared Monday that he would be retained, Steelers left guard Willie Colon is now expected to be released, according to reports. The oft-injured, but versatile lineman spent seven seasons in Pittsburgh.
Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE
Colon's release has been designated for June 1, saving the Steelers $5.5 million against the salary cap as opposed to the $1.9 million they would save if Colon was cut today, according to ESPN. The catalyst for the decision may have been the surprise re-signing of Ramon Foster on Monday. Foster started 16 games last season with David DeCastro and Colon injured.
Colon has spent all of his seven seasons in the NFL with the Steelers. He was drafted with the 131st overall pick in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. In 2011, he signed a five-year deal worth $29 million in 2011, but tore his ACL in Week 1 and missed the rest of that season. He appeared in 12 games in 2012 before his season was once again cut short by a knee injury.
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