The New York Giants have made a number of significant personnel moves so far this offseason, but heading into the free agent signing period, the team still has a chance to add players and one of those could be safety Charles Woodson from the Green Bay Packers.
According to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter, the Giants are one of a few teams interested in the free agent safety, as are the New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins. Woodson was released by the Packers during the offseason and his name has been one that many teams have been thinking about.
Although Woodson is up there in age and is coming off of an injury, he has proven to be an excellent players over the past few years and if he is healthy he could make a big impact for the Giants. Stevie Brown was a surprise last season and the team could lose him as a free agent, meaning they may want to bring Woodson or Ed Reed in to combine with Antrel Rolle for the defensive backfield.
Woodson only played in seven games last season after breaking his collarbone, but the Giants could take a risk as they also have Kenny Phillips to sign and if he leaves they could bring in the Packers star. The team likes to use three safety sets at times and he could combine to bring veteran leadership and ball skills to the field.
The 36-year-old is strictly a safety now and although the Giants have needs at corner, he likely would only play nickel back if anything at all. Woodson has 55 interceptions over his 15-year career and the Giants will need some depth if they lose Brown and Phillips. The team brought back Terrell Thomas, but there is a chance he may not be healthy after injuring his knee again last year.
Woodson missed nine games with his injuries, but he has been to the Pro Bowl eight times and he was the last defensive player to win the Heisman after playing cornerback and returning kicks. He has the 55 picks and 17 sacks in over 200 NFL games he has said he has no plans to retire from football.
The Packers cut him with two years and $20 million left on his contract to avoid a $2.5 million roster bonus and the team saved nearly $10 million in cap space for the player who went to four straight Pro Bowls from 2008 to 2011.
