The long awaited deed is finally done as it is now being reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers have released guard Willie Colon with a post June 1st designation.
Colon was originally drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Hofstra University and originally played right tackle until he was moved to left guard last off-season.
Colon was a picture of health for his first four seasons with the Steelers, but once the injury bug bit, it did not let go. Colon tore his Achilles prior to the 2010 season and it landed him on injured reserve for the year. The Steelers still had faith in him as they gave him a five-year $29 million contract prior to the start of the 2011 season. He lasted all of one game that season, however, as he tore his triceps in the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens and was once again out for the year after being placed on injured reserve.
Last off-season Colon made the move to left guard, and outside of some early season holding calls, he played well. He went down with a knee injury in the first meeting against the Ravens after being submarined by outside linebacker Terrell Suggs and never really recovered. His knee finally gave way a few weeks later against the San Diego Chargers and he landed on the Steelers injured reserve list for a third straight season as a result.
The release of Colon will not save the Steelers any cap money in 2013 until June 2nd. At that time they will save $5.5 million of cap space, but will also incur a $4.3 million dead money hit in 2014 as a result.
