The Steelers reportedly considered using the transition tag on cornerback Ike Taylor. And they’ve reportedly decided not to do so.
Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reports that the defending AFC champs have opted not to use the right-of-first-refusal restriction on Taylor, which means he’ll be an unrestricted free agent whenever free agency begins.
La Canfora says the Steelers won’t use the transition tag at all. They’ve applied the franchise tag to linebacker LaMarr Woodley.
Under the rules of the uncapped year, teams are permitted to use a franchise tag or a transition tag on any player whose contract has expired, plus a transition tag on a player with six or more years of service and an expired contract. The NFLPA believes that franchise and transition tags are not available under the current labor deal for 2011.
Taylor, an eight-year veteran, won’t be eligible for any of the restricted free agency tenders. Absent a new deal, he’ll hit the open market, whenever the market opens.