Grading 3 Carolina Panthers free-agent signings during legal tampering

Xavier Woods – Carolina Panthers S

• 3 year, $15.75 million deal from the Minnesota Vikings

The Carolina Panthers have been looking for a roaming safety ever since the departure of Tre Boston and they may have just found it in Xavier Woods. He should fit well in this bend don’t break defense and allow Phil Snow to maneuver Jeremy Chinn – should he stay – in more creative ways.

Woods signed with the Minnesota Vikings last year and started every game under Mike Zimmer. The former sixth-round pick tied for the team lead in interceptions with three and was very solid in coverage on the back end of that defense.

With health being a recent issue in Carolina, it is good to note Woods was the only Vikings defensive player to play every single defensive snap for the team in 2021.

There were some questions about his dedication and taking plays off during his time with the Dallas Cowboys after the player admitted that he didn’t play “full speed for 70 plays” following an October 2020 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

This also had a tendency to show up on tape during his time with the Cowboys. That seems to have been resolved during Woods’ stint with Minnesota.

Final grade: B-

Woods should start immediately and be a major upgrade at a cheaper cost for the position going into 2022. This has the makings of a very solid signing.