Apr 17, 2013 03:22 PM EDT
San Francisco 49ers Rumors: Charles Woodson Still Option as Desmond Trufant Top Draft Target with Trade Up

While most teams are busy cementing their draft plans, the San Francisco 49ers are still keeping their eye on a few remaining free agents. The team has been in the market for a few defensive veterans after losing Dashon Goldson to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the beginning of free agency. They have yet to replace him. Now it looks like the 49ers are again focusing their attention on Charles Woodson, who visited the team earlier in the offseason.

Woodson has gained almost no interest since being released from the Green Bay Packers. San Francisco was the only team to bring him in for a visit as he still remains unsigned. The free agent market has not been kind to aging veterans and Woodson is further proof.

Injuries are hurting Woodson's worth. He only played seven games in 2012 after breaking his collarbone in October. He managed to finish the year with 38 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Green Bay decided not to re-sign Woodson in an effort to reduce their payroll and free up salary cap space to give to upcoming free agents. He was owed $10 million in 2013.

Woodson can still be a great player if healthy, despite getting ready to turn 37-years old. Woodson was an All-Pro defensive back four times with Green Bay, including being named the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year. His production has decreased in recent years due to injury.

If San Francisco decides once again to pass on Woodson, they will likely look to the draft to fill the need. The 49ers have 14 draft picks this year, the most of any team. The draft is filled with defensive stars, but the team will likely take one in the first round. The team is targeting both Desmond Trufant and Xavier Rhodes as possible options. Outside of Dee Milliner who is expected to go in the top five picks, those two players are the best available.

With the number of draft picks the 49ers have, they could make a trade for someone, but that is highly unlikely. The 49ers will make their first selection at 31, but could trade up with another team. They have numerous options. With Woodson back on the team's radar, they will likely sign him after the draft once they see what players they are able to come away with. 

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