Steelers reportedly restructured the contract of ILB Lawrence Timmons, freeing up $5.14 million in salary cap space. The Steelers have saved $11.7 million against the 2012 cap by restructuring Timmons and LaMarr Woodley. Timmons' base salary was reduced to $700,000, but he's now due a $6.425 million signing bonus prorated at $1.285 million per over the next five years. The Steelers may not be done restructuring, as they need to free enough space to match offers for Mike Wallace now that the maximum tender for restricted free agents is at the first-round level.

Lawrence Timmons will move back to inside linebacker next to James Farrior going forward. The Steelers must have seen something from OLB Jason Worilds in Week 9 that the box score doesn't show, because he is going to start against the Bengals. Larry Foote will return to the bench as Pittsburgh's third inside linebacker. Timmons has quite a bit more IDP value when he's inside as opposed to outside.

Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Wednesday that Lawrence Timmons will move from inside to outside linebacker while James Harrison (eye) is away. Harrison is recovering from surgery to repair a fractured eye socket, a multi-week injury. Timmons' move will affect his tackle production, though he should have a few more pass-rush chances. The Steelers' inside 'backers will be Larry Foote and James Farrior. Pittsburgh is also banged up at defensive end with Aaron Smith nursing a mid-foot sprain. Ziggy Hood is Smith's backup.

Steelers signed ILB Lawrence Timmons to a five-year, $50 million contract. Timmons was set to earn just $650,000 as he entered the final year of his rookie contract. He racked up 135 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and nine passes defenses last season while spearheading the Steelers' No. 1 rush defense. At age 25 with no major injuries on his resume, there is no reason to expect a decline. The Steelers have now committed $111.5 million in extensions this offseason to Timmons and OLB LaMarr Woodley, ensuring a dominant defense for years to come.