October 6, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) celebrates after intercepting the ball against the San Diego Chargers during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders and veteran DB Charles Woodson have agreed to a one-year deal, per Josh Dubow of Detroit Free Press. Woodson returned to Oakland in 2013 for a second stint with the team. After being drafted by the Raiders in 1998, he starred at corner for the team until 2006, when he signed a seven-year deal to play for the Packers.
At free safety last season, the 37-year-old Woodson had a solid season with the Raiders, although the team and defense as a whole struggled once again, finishing with a 4-12 record. Woodson was brought into lead last season, but it’s clear the Raiders needed more than just a veteran presence. The defense was responsible for Nick Foles’s seven touchdown game, as well as Jamaal Charles’s epic fantasy day in Week 15.
On the season, Woodson started all 16 games and finished with 97 tackles, three forced fumbles, two sacks and one pick. Previously, Woodson had said he would retire if he could not find the right deal in free agency.
In bringing back Woodson, the Raiders will have another veteran on defense. So far, the team has signed Justin Tuck, Lamar Woodley and Antonio Smith, all of whom will be 30 or older next season. Now with some veterans on the roster to immediately help the defense, the Raiders are under pressure to fill the other defensive positions by drafting well and form the team’s core for the future.