For a moment, it looked like Charles Woodson was going to get his wish. The veteran had made it known that he was looking to sign with a team that was going to contend for a Super Bowl. He does not have that many playing years left and would like another run at a championship before calling it career. Options have been slim, but on Wednesday Woodson took a visit to the Denver Broncos, a team likely to contend next season. However, that visit ended without a contract in place, leaving Woodson back out on the market.
The Denver Broncos have about $7 million in cap space remaining and could use a ball hawking presence in their inconsistent secondary. Woodson seemed like the perfect fit for the team. They could sign him for relatively cheap on a short-term deal. As Woodson approaches 37, a one-year deal is likely all he would get. But the Broncos did not bite on him right away.
Just because Woodson left with no deal does not mean the two sides will not continue talking. While Woodson did miss seven games last season due to a broken collarbone, his career proves that he can be a big presence on the field. As an eight-time Pro Bowler, Woodson has 55 career interceptions and 17 sacks, ranking him second among active defensive backs.
As he remains a free agent, the best chance Woodson has to sign with a team is likely the Oakland Raiders. Woodson has back tracked on his Super Bowl comments, saying he would consider signing with a team in a rebuilding year. He began his career in Oakland and they fit the bill of rebuilding. While he has not taken an official visit out to the Raiders, the team does have a deal on the table for Woodson. The size of the contract is unknown, but both parties have mutual interest.
Woodson became a defensive star in Oakland. He is familiar with the team and could be a great leader on a relatively young team. General manager Reggie McKenzie has expressed as admiration for Woodson. It could be the best fit for the veteran to play out the last few years of his career.
Woodson's agent also reports that the Carolina Panthers have reached out to his client with some interest. While nothing has come from those statements, with Denver passing on the defensive back, Carolina might try and step in and sweep him up. For now, the waiting game continues.
