ALAMEDA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2006) -- The Oakland Raiders declined to use the franchise tag on cornerback Charles Woodson for a third consecutive season, making the Heisman Trophy winner an unrestricted free agent next month.
Woodson, who hasn't played a full season since 2001, was limited to six games last year before breaking his right leg Oct. 23 against Buffalo.
Oakland could have matched any deal he signed or gotten compensation if he left with the franchise tag. Now Woodson will be an unrestricted free agent March 3.
Woodson was the fourth overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft after winning the Heisman Trophy at Michigan. He made four Pro Bowls with the Raiders, intercepting 17 passes in 106 games.
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