After not having a single team ring his phone in months, Woodson is on a U.S. tour of football teams. The only problem, no one is offering him a contract. The defensive veteran has taken numerous visits in the past week, but nothing has come from any of them. While the door has possibly closed on almost every team in the league, there is still one hope for Woodson- the Oakland Raiders.
Woodson's career could finish exactly where it began. Woodson spent eight years with the Raiders after the team drafted him as the No. 4 pick overall in the 1998 NFL Draft. After numerous failed visits, a reunion with Oakland could be just what Woodson's needs to finish his career on a high note.
Josina Anderson of ESPN reports that the Raiders have invited Woodson out for a visit and the plan is for him to see the team some time next week. Woodson's agent Carl Poston revealed that the Raiders have an initial offer on the table for the veteran. It is unclear what that offer entails. Oakland would offer Woodson probably the most playing time of any other team that might possibly consider him.
Woodson had made comments about considering going to team that was in a rebuilding stage. He set out in free agency with the idea that he would sign with a Super Bowl contending team and win one more right before retirement. He took a visit out to the Denver Broncos, a team that certainly fits that description. However, he left without a contract. The New York Giants are also showing slight interest. They were one of the original teams to pursue Woodson at the start of free agency, But once again, nothing came of it.
The Raiders offered the contract days ago. It is likely that Woodson was waiting to see how other options played out before giving the team a chance. General manager Reggie McKenzie has been vocal about the belief that while the Raiders will be competitive, they will not win a Super Bowl. He has a lot of admiration for Woodson and is certainly interested bringing the veteran on for some much needed leadership.
If Woodson likes what he sees with the Raiders, he will likely sign sooner rather than later. At this point, Oakland will be his only chance at signing on with a team prior to training camp.
