OMEN
02-24-2006, 11:10 PM
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ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- The Oakland Raiders declined to use the franchise tag on cornerback Charles Woodson for a third straight season, making the Heisman Trophy winner an unrestricted free agent next month.
Woodson, who hasn't played a full season since 2001, was limited to six games last year before breaking his right leg Oct. 23 against Buffalo. He made $10.537 million last season and would have been guaranteed more than $12.6 million if he didn't sign a long-term contract.
Oakland could have matched any deal he signed or gotten compensation if he left with the franchise tag. Now Woodson will be an unrestricted free agent March 3.
Woodson was the fourth overall pick in the 1998 draft after winning the Heisman Trophy at Michigan. He made four Pro Bowls with the Raiders, intercepting 17 passes in 106 games.
Associated Press
ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- The Oakland Raiders declined to use the franchise tag on cornerback Charles Woodson for a third straight season, making the Heisman Trophy winner an unrestricted free agent next month.
Woodson, who hasn't played a full season since 2001, was limited to six games last year before breaking his right leg Oct. 23 against Buffalo. He made $10.537 million last season and would have been guaranteed more than $12.6 million if he didn't sign a long-term contract.
Oakland could have matched any deal he signed or gotten compensation if he left with the franchise tag. Now Woodson will be an unrestricted free agent March 3.
Woodson was the fourth overall pick in the 1998 draft after winning the Heisman Trophy at Michigan. He made four Pro Bowls with the Raiders, intercepting 17 passes in 106 games.
Associated Press