Good things come to those who wait. Charles Woodson is about to see just how true that statement is. When he first entered the free agent market, interest was high from the San Francisco 49ers. They needed a stronger secondary and there Woodson was. However, nothing came to fruition and the 49ers decided to addresses their backfield in the draft and not free agency. The market then went ice cold for Woodson, but in just the past week, the defensive veteran has taken a few visits and receiver one offer. The New York Giants are the latest team to toy with the Woodson idea.
Josina Anderson of ESPN reports the Giants "have just put their toe in the water again" in regards to signing Woodson. New York had shown interest when Woodson first hit the free agent market. The team has always been open to adding more options to their backfield and Woodson is versatile enough to cover multiple positions. The Giants lost starting safety Kenny Phillips in the offseason, but then signed Ryan Mundy to pair with Stevie Brown and Antrel Rolle. They have always been known to run a three-safety system. It is unclear how Woodson would fit into that system, but if the Giants like him enough they will find a way for him to work into various packages.
Woodson originally said that he intended on signing with a team that would contend for a Super Bowl. As he approaches 37, his playing days in the NFL are officially number. Given the Giants history, they certainly fit the bill as a championship contender. He recently took a trip out to Denver to the meet with the Broncos, another Super Bowl contending team. However, Woodson's visit ended without a contract, putting him back on the market.
The Oakland Raiders are still the best option for Woodson. He 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. His career could end in the exact place it began.
If Woodson continues to remain patient a contract will come. As of now, the Giants, Raiders and some interest from the Carolina Panthers are all swirling around him. A contract is likely to come soon.
