Woodson’s Days With Steelers Appear To Be Numbered

The Pittsburgh Steelers said hello Saturday to Chad Scott and Donnell Woolford - and, with many regrets, goodbye to Rod Woodson.

Moving to repair a secondary decimated by free agency, the Steelers chose Scott on the first round of the NFL draft, then signed Woolford, formerly of the Chicago Bears, to a four-year contract.

By acquiring the two cornerbacks less than one hour apart, the Steelers almost certainly bid adieu to Woodson, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the best defensive players in league history.

The Steelers made one final effort Saturday to sign the former NFL defensive player of the year, but could not reach an agreement.

“We both agreed it just wasn’t going to work out at this time,” Steelers director of football operations Tom Donahoe said.

Woodson is coming off two knee operations in as many years and his future is uncertain. The Steelers were the only NFL team pursuing him, and at least two teams - the Bears and 49ers - were discouraged by his medical reports. The 49ers said he barely passed their physical.

Donahoe did not rule out that Woodson would not return, but the Steelers - with little money remaining under the salary cap - do not have the maneuverability to sign a third expensive cornerback.

Woodson turned down a $2 million signing bonus and a five-year contract, apparently because the base salary was only $385,000.