We are less than 24 hours away from free agents being able to sign with new teams, while their present teams still have a small window to negotiate a deal with them. Money is everything and teams are looking for ways to save money.

The Pittsburgh Steelers found a way, releasing seven-year veteran LaMarr Woodley. Pittsburgh freed up a few million in cap space, which will help as the team works on re-signing linebacker Jason Worilds.

Woodley had spent seven seasons as the Steelers’ outside linebacker, but the emergence of Worilds and 2013 first-round pick Jarvis Jones was expendable. Woodley had posted three straight seasons of 10 or more sacks from 2008-’10, but just nine combined sacks in 2012 and 2013.

The decision to release Woodley may come as a surprise to himself and the fan base; it’s all a part of the business and really a smart decision. Woodley will turn 30 in November and while he is still a very productive player, he hasn’t been the same player since Pittsburgh gave him a six-year, $61.5 million contract in 2011.

There have been questions about Woodley’s effort since he signed the big contract, gaining weight and not appearing to be the same explosive pass-rusher as before. But being cut can really help a player’s career, lighting the fire under them again to prove their old club wrong and that they’ve still got a lot left in the tank.

Woodley will still receive plenty of interest on the free agent market, who 3-4 teams will be fighting over. A great fit could be the Tennessee Titans, who are switching to the 3-4 with Ray Horton as their new defensive coordinator. Woodley could also be a fit for a team like the Green Bay Packers, who like bringing in veterans who might be cheaper because of injuries or other concerns. Both teams are in need of situational pass-rushers and more veteran leadership on defense.