Fallon Smith of Comcast SportsNet initially reported the news, and the team confirmed the move on Thursday.
Woodley, 30, was due a $3.85 million base salary and was scheduled to receive a $1.19 million roster bonus March 14, per Spotrac. Releasing him before the start of the league year eliminates all of Oakland's financial responsibility, adding even more room to a team that was already flush with cap space.
One of the league's fiercest pass-rushers in Pittsburgh, Woodley struggled to make an impact in his brief Oakland stay. He was limited to only six appearances due to a torn biceps, making five tackles and failing to record a sack for the first time in his career. It was the fourth straight season Woodley has been forced to miss extended time due to injury.
After recording nine or more sacks in four straight seasons from 2008 to 2011, Woodley has recorded nine total in his last three campaigns. His release from Oakland marks the second time he's been let go for salary reasons in as many years.
It'll be interesting to see what type of market develops for Woodley. He signed in Oakland with the expectation of reviving his career. To not only get injured again, but also struggle mightily when on the field suggests we've probably already seen the best of him.
That said, the market for edge pass-rushers is almost never dry. Woodley was still reasonably effective his last two years in Pittsburgh and probably has some football left in the tank a few months removed from his 30th birthday.
Whether NFL teams believe in his ability to stay healthy, though, is another question entirely.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
