4 offseason moves already paying off for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers signed Xavier Woods
Jeremy Chinn remains a core piece that the Carolina Panthers can build around long-term. But it was important for the front office to find the right partner to bring the former second-round selection on even more in 2022.
The Panthers swooped quickly once free agency got underway to acquire Xavier Woods following an impressive 2021 campaign with the Minnesota Vikings. Even though the safety missed most early offseason workouts due to a personal matter, he made his presence felt throughout camp and this has continued into competitive action over the opening three contests.
Woods has improved communication on the backend and been around the football consistently. His awareness in coverage is also top-notch, which also allows Chinn additional freedom to roam the field and be instinctive.
With 24 tackles and a 70.5 grade from Pro Football Focus to begin the campaign, bringing Woods into the fold was another superb move by Scott Fitterer. One that’s provided stability to a secondary that looks like a real force already.
The former sixth-round selection is an integral part of Carolina’s defense. Providing there are no problems on the health front, expect this outstanding consistency to continue as the season goes on.