How can free-agent signing Xavier Woods help the Carolina Panthers after the safety arrived from the Minnesota Vikings?
The Carolina Panthers got their hands on a talented safety to strengthen their secondary when terms were agreed with Xavier Woods. According to Ian Rappaport of the NFL Network, the player penned a three-year, $15.75 million deal and was their second signing of the day after Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman Austin Corbett joined from the Los Angeles Rams.
Woods bet on himself in a big way by leaving the Dallas Cowboys after a down season in 2020 to rejuvenate his career with the Minnesota Vikings. Paying alongside a potential Pro Football Hall of Famer in Harrison Smith certainly helped, which has given the player’s career a new lease of life.
Finding a partner for Jeremy Chinn on the backend was one of the Panthers‘ top priorities this offseason. Although there is a chance the former second-round pick won’t be around much longer if he ends up being part of a deal that brings Deshaun Watson to Carolina.
Either way, Woods is a solid pickup. Here are three big ways he can help the Panthers in 2022 and possibly beyond.
Big Way No. 1
Xavier Woods brings a strong work ethic to the Carolina Panthers
Things could have gone either way for Xavier Woods after a disastrous final season with the Dallas Cowboys that put his career prospects right on the brink. Linking up with a defensive head coach in Mike Zimmer and a stud such as Harrison Smith helped a lot, but the player also deserves a significant amount of credit for fighting back in the face of adversity.
This mindset is something that can help the Carolina Panthers. Things tailed off mentally for the organization in 2021, which also brought a real lack of accountability from veteran pieces who should know better.
Woods’ talent will help on the field. But don’t underestimate the impact he could make in the locker room, either.
Xavier Woods brings solid coverage skills to the Carolina Panthers
Again, there was some real cause for concern regarding Xavier Woods in coverage during his last season on the Dallas Cowboys. This came after an encouraging start to the former sixth-round pick’s career and left many wondering whether this would be the start of a quick decline.
Thankfully, these fears were put to rest in what turned out to be Woods’ one and only season with the Minnesota Vikings. He looked assured in pass coverage – giving up just 60 percent of targets thrown in his direction – and the safety also provided a nice security blanket on the backend while Harrison Smith imposed his will all over the field.
This would fit in well with the Carolina Panthers considering Jeremy Chinn has his moments of struggle in coverage. Even though Sean Chandler was brought back on a one-year deal, this is seemingly more of a depth chart/special teams move given he conceded a 158.3 passer rating when targeted in 2021.
Woods does have some lapses in concentration at times. But it would be a massive surprise if he returned to his 2020 form working with Phil Snow in Carolina.
The Panthers got themselves a good player that can instantly improve their fortunes. However, just how important Woods will be is dependent on what Carolina potentially gives up if they are successful in their trade for Deshaun Watson.
Xavier Woods brings standout tackling to the Carolina Panthers
One of the main areas where Xavier Woods improved with the Minnesota Vikings was from a tackling standpoint. Learning from someone like Harrison Smith was a significant boost at just the right time, with the Louisiana Tech product’s positioning and ability to be around the football consistently showing signs of substantial promise.
Woods eventually finished with 102 tackles last season. This was the highest total of his pro career by a considerable margin and considering how in the thick of it he was more often than not, the 6.1 percent of tackles was another indication of progress.
If the player can keep up or even build on this with the Carolina Panthers, this acquisition could work extremely well.
Of course, there are many unknowns surrounding Carolina’s defense right now. Haason Reddick and DaQuan Jones have left, Morgan Fox and A.J. Bouye were released, Stephon Gilmore and Donte Jackson might not be back, and there could be one or two talented pieces heading to the Houston Texans if Deshaun Watson waives his no-trade clause.
This could lead to a frenzied period of activity to strengthen almost every position group. Woods at least gives them some stable presence on the backend even if Jeremy Chinn is traded, which will be needed in no uncertain terms.