Charles Woodson is starting to get nervous. Since hitting free agency after not being retained by the Green Bay Packers, the veteran defensive star has received little to no attention. The market has not been kind to aging athletes and Woodson is just another example. As the summer starts to creep in, Woodson is lowering his expectations of where he will sign, officially opening the door to return to the Oakland Raiders.
When Woodson first became a free agent, he was vocal about wanting to join a Super Bowl-bound team. At his age, he wanted to win another championship before sailing off into the land of retirement. However, that has not worked out for him, forcing Woodson to change his tune.
"When this process first started out, that was my thing-I needed to go to a contender. I know I am towards the end of my career. At this point, I want to play football. So if it is a rebuilding stage, at this point if that is the circumstances I have to play under, then that is what I am going to do," Woodson said.
Woodson spent the first eight years of his career in Oakland before heading off to Green Bay. His recent comments make him a perfect fit to head back to the Raiders. General manager Reggie McKenzie has said the Raiders will be fine to compete this year, but likely will not contend for a Super Bowl. The team is in a rebuilding effort and the perfect situation for Woodson to step into.
At 37, he likely will not cost much for the team. The Raiders are not overflowing with cash, so an aging veteran that can still play would be welcomed. Woodson is very familiar with Oakland and could be a leader to the young defense. McKenzie has said in the past how much he admires Woodson and his style of play. Is the feeling mutual?
"Myself, I am just a ballplayer. I need to be on a team," Woodson said.
Woodson had taken a visit to the San Francisco 49ers at the start of free agency, but the team addressed their secondary needs in the draft and is no longer interested in bringing Woodson in. The Raiders could be his only shot.
