The Oakland Raiders have quietly been one of the most improved teams in the NFL after the offseason and one of the main reasons was due to bringing back former player Charles Woodson on a contract after he tested the free agent market.
Woodson signed on a one-year deal worth up to $4.3 million after the Denver Broncos didn't give him any guaranteed money and now he is back where it all began, although he is a man without a number, a jersey number that is. According to ESPN.com, Woodson could not wear his usual number 24 yet since newly signed cornerback Tracy Porter has it, meaning the two need to work out a deal. Woodson, who will be playing at safety for the Raiders, said that the two will work it out and that he felt good to be back.
Woodson said things felt different without Al Davis in the fold, but said that he is looking forward to playing for head coach Dennis Allen and that the roster is much improved. Woodson wore number two to start off workouts and said that he will work out something with Porter to get the number. Woodson has been to the Pro Bowl eight times and he gives the team another veteran in the secondary along with Porter. While with the Packers he wore number 21, but said that he would like to wear 24 again after wearing that during his time with the Raiders.
Woodson said that talks stalled out between him and Porter, but that they will figure out a deal. Woodson was the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and will bring an intensity and "swagger" to the Raiders that is needed for a team to improve. During his eight seasons in Oakland he was one of the best players in the NFL and after that he played in Green Bay and comes back to the Raiders with 55 interceptions, 17 sacks, 24 forced fumbles and 11 interception returns for touchdowns and will be a force in the secondary.
The Raiders will be much improved after trading for Matt Flynn, while Woodson will add to a secondary that now has Mike Jenkins and Tracy Porter in the fold. The defense will be improved with Kevin Burnett and Nick Roach coming in and draft pick DJ Hayden is expected to contribute right away despite dealing with surgery. Woodson has the right attitude for the team and the Raiders are ready to improve from their 4-12 record.