After adding pass rusher Ezekiel Ansah earlier in the week, the Seattle Seahawks immediately turned their attention toward stopping the run, agreeing to sign veteran run-stuffer Al Woods to a one-year, $2.25 million dollar deal late Friday evening.
Woods, 32, is similar to free agent addition Jamar Taylor – they both had poor 2018 campaigns but had previous NFL success.
Woods earned an overall 61.2 grade from Pro Football Focus last season, which ranked No. 109 out of 129 interior defensive tackles.
However, back in 2017, Woods earned an 87.7, which ranked No. 10.
Seattle is banking on Woods returning to form, a gamble similar to the one it took on Taylor just a few days ago.
It’s a gamble that makes sense. Even if Woods doesn’t return to form, he still provides depth at a key area of need for the Seahawks.
Presently, the team has Jarran Reed and Poona Ford slated to start on the interior, and unless Woods really impresses he’s unlikely to push for a starting role.
The backups include Jamie Meder, draft pick DeMarcus Christmas and two undrafted free agents – Bryan Mone and Jay-Tee Tiuli. Nazair Jones could be an option there as well, although coach Pete Carroll indicated they are planning to move him to five-technique this season.
So Woods will provide key depth on the inside for Seattle, regardless of whether he can rekindle the magic that made him so dominant in 2017.
