Vikings Land Another ‘Xavier’
The Minnesota Vikings signed safety Xavier Woods, a former Dallas Cowboys defender on Saturday.
The #Vikings aren’t done: They’re signing former #Cowboys safety Xavier Woods to a 1-year deal worth up to $2.25M, source said. A perfect system fit and high upside.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2021
This is the fourth keynote addition to the Vikings defense in the last two weeks.
Thus far this offseason, general manager Rick Spielman has acquired Dalvin Tomlinson (DT), Patrick Peterson (CB), and Mackensie Alexander (CB). Linebacker Nick Vigil was also signed from the Los Angeles Chargers, but it is unclear if Vigil will start alongside Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks inside the Vikings linebacking corps.
Woods, a free safety, was a 6th-Round draft choice by Dallas from LSU in 2017. In 60 career games, Woods has nabbed five interceptions, forced three fumbles, and registered 247 total tackles.
His Pro Football Focus grades are steady.
Xavier Woods,@PFF:
2020 = 61.9
2019 = 73.0
2018 = 70.5
2017 = 72.4I will type "Rhodes" instead of "Woods" with him repeatedly for weeks. fack
— Dustin Baker (@DustBaker) March 27, 2021
For the most part, Woods is a pass-coverage asset more than a run-stopper. And that will be welcomed inside head coach Mike Zimmer’s defense.
The Vikings secondary is now solidified. The cornerbacks will be Patrick Peterson, Cameron Dantzler, Jeff Gladney, Mackensie Alexander, and Mike Hughes. Safety responsibility will fall on Harrison Smith and the newly-acquired Woods.
The former Cowboy replaces Anthony Harris, a player that departed for the Philadelphia Eagles via 2021 free agency — much like former Vikings safety Andrew Sendejo did two seasons ago.
Woods is 25 years old. He has started 80% of all football games since entering the league in 2017.
He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 9 of 2019. Woods is one of several Vikings players that hails from Louisiana.