Post by TheShadow on May 21, 2013 21:07:13 GMT -5
bleacherreport.com
By Matt Fitzgerald
even-time All-Pro defensive back Charles Woodson and the Oakland Raiders have reportedly agreed to a one-year contract.
NFL Insider Jay Glazer broke the news:
Following his meeting with the Raiders on Tuesday, Woodson was seen holding up an Oakland jersey outside of the team's facility. A faithful Raiders fan posted the picture on Twitter...
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Woodson spent the past seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers after beginning his career with the Raiders. Throughout his nine years with the Raiders, Woodson racked up 17 interceptions and 456 tackles.
Winning the Heisman Trophy historically hasn't guaranteed excellence in the NFL, but Woodson has been among the greatest pros ever to win that accolade.
The Packers moved Woodson to safety in 2012, and defensive coordinator Dom Capers also used him as an occasional nickel cornerback.
Unfortunately for Green Bay, the defense continued to struggle. Due to his salary counting roughly $10 million against the cap, the Packers decided to release Woodson with two years left on his five-year, $55 million contract in an attempt to acquire younger assets.
Woodson dismissed any implications that he might file his retirement papers after being cut loose by GM Ted Thompson. His agent Carl Poston indicated that Woodson longs to play for a Super Bowl contender in 2013.
The most memorable highlights of Woodson's career came in his renaissance with the Pack. He was the 2009 AP Defensive Player of the Year, and the following season, finally snagged that elusive Lombardi Trophy despite a broken collarbone in the first half of Super Bowl XLV.
Another broken collarbone kept Woodson out for nine games this past season, which makes his health a bit of a concern moving forward.
Although Woodson may not be quite the athlete he once was at age 36, he is still a savvy veteran who has a spectacular pedigree and has a knack for not only stepping in front of passes but also stripping the football at critical times.
The Raiders are fortunate to bring Woodson back to where his NFL career started—assuming he can stay healthy. His versatility will allow Oakland to have more flexibility and also give security in the defensive backfield to guard against big plays.