When Charles Woodson left his visit with the Denver Broncos without having signed a contract, it looked almost like a courtesy visit. The Broncos had one time considered bringing in Woodson when free agency first began, but nothing came of it. Then a second visit happened and once again, Woodson left unsigned. However, despite Woodson not signing a contract, the Broncos are generally interested in what the veteran could bring to their defense. Woodson is even getting an endorsement from the Broncos biggest name, Peyton Manning.
Like everything, Woodson signing with the Broncos comes down to the price tag. They are interested in him, but only at their price. They have no intentions of giving Woodson an inflated contract. Denver's opinion of the former Defensive Player of the Year is the same as many teams around the league. They feel he is a situational player that can bring something to a defense, but due to recent injury history, is only worth a one-year deal. Woodson is coming off a season where he missed multiple games due to a broken collarbone.
Manning would certainly like to see Woodson in Denver. He feels the veteran would be a great fit for both the defense and locker room.
"We're always looking to add great players. That has been pretty evident since the time I've been here that management is always looking to add excellent football players through the draft or via free agency. I had a chance to visit with Charles when he was here last week and certainly, that'd be a great addition to our team," Manning said.
Woodson has said he wanted to sign with a team that was going to contend for a Super Bowl and Denver certainly fits the bill. The team has given one-year contracts to almost every veteran they signed in the offseason and Woodson should not expect different treatment. Shaun Phillips was the most recent and he signed a one-year deal worth $1 million with some incentives.
Woodson will visit with the Oakland Raiders on Tuesday. That visit will determine what happens with Denver. Woodson certainly has a lot of familiarity with Oakland having spent the first eight years of his career there. He could help rebuild a young defense with his championship experience.
The team that offers him the most money is where Woodson will sign. He is ready to be with a team and begin training for the 2013 season. The team with the bigger contract will win him over.
