Packers to release Charles Woodson

The Green Bay Packers will release eight-time Pro Bowl defensive back Charles Woodson, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports.

Woodson, 36, has been with the Packers since the 2006 season, was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2009 and appeared in four straight Pro Bowls (2008-11) before missing out during an injury-plagued 2012 season. Woodson moved to safety last season and missed nine games due to a broken collarbone.

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Woodson had two years and $20 million remaining on his current contract with the Packers. Woodson was scheduled to receive a $2.5 million roster bonus on the first day of this year's training camp and had a $6.5 million base salary for 2013. Additionally, Woodson had $1 million in "per game active" roster bonuses. By releasing Woodson, the Packers, who were around $5 million under the 2013 salary cap, will free up $10 million in cap space.

In seven seasons with the Packers, Woodson had 38 interceptions and 11.5 sacks, bringing his career totals to 55 interceptions and 17 sacks during a 15-year career that began with the Oakland Raiders, who selected the 1997 Heisman Trophy winner with the fourth overall pick of the 1998 NFL Draft.

Once the release becomes official, Woodson will be a free agent and can sign with any team. Woodson has no plans to retire and his agent, Carl Poston, tells Rapoport that Woodson would like to play for a contender.

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The recruitment process has already started as Seattle Seahawks All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman has suggested Woodson join the L.O.B. ("Legion of Boom") defensive backfield.

Prior to becoming the Seahawks general manager, John Schneider worked in the Packers' front office. Another connection is that Sherman agent's, Kevin Poston, is the brother of Woodson's agent, Carl Poston. The Poston's ran Professional Sports Planning, though within the last year, Kevin has branched off with his own agency called Deal.

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