Ranking the 6 best Carolina Panthers free-agent signings in 2022
By Dean Jones
Xavier Woods – Carolina Panthers S
- Three year, $15 million deal ($6.03 million guaranteed)
Jeremy Chinn’s production was once again outstanding after the Carolina Panthers shifted him back into the safety position where he starred in college. But for the organization to get the best out of the Southern Illinois product moving forward, then finding him a productive partner on the backend was an important priority this offseason.
The Panthers managed to secure this in good time with the addition of Xavier Woods from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. The former sixth-round pick got his career back on track last season after being cast aside by the Dallas Cowboys and providing this momentum is built upon in 2022, Carolina has themselves another capable presence within the secondary.
Woods posted career highs in tackles and passes defended with 108 and 10 respectively. This was matched with three interceptions, conceding 60 percent of targets thrown his way, and a creditable 66.4 grade from Pro Football Focus as a result of his efforts.
Having an All-Pro in Harrison Smith assisted greatly. So it’s a comfort for Woods to have someone like Chinn to depend on during the early stages of his transition.
If Woods reaches or perhaps even exceeds expectations, then this is a tremendous bit of value for the Panthers given the contract terms. And they also have defensive backs coach Steve Wilks on hand to unlock further promise.