Green Bay Packers Release Charles Woodson
The Green Bay Packers plan to release veteran cornerback/safety Charles Woodson, 36, after seven seasons with the team.
Carl Poston, Woodson’s agent, told Ian Rapoport of NFL.com that the Packers, “[Are] getting ready to release him. It’s part of the business.”
The Packers are responsible for resurrecting Woodson’s career after signing him as a free agent in 2006. He previously played eight seasons with the Oakland Raiders after they drafted him fourth overall in the 1998 Draft. Due to injuries and public criticism of his coaches and teams, no other team but the Packers even offered him a deal.
That’s when his career completely changed.
Woodson’s play and stats significantly improved during his tenure in Green Bay, resulting in four consecutive All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections from 2008-2011. He topped these accomplishments off by being the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2009 and winning the Super Bowl the very next season. Additionally, he became more of a leader in the locker room as well as a role model in the community.
Even with a Hall of Fame résumé, Woodson’s career may not be over yet. Despite battling injuries in 2012, he told Poston he’d still like to play and believes he can. “He sounds like he has a lot of football left,” says Poston. “He’d like to play for a contender, win another Super Bowl.”
Super Bowl contending teams such as the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens could use his services, depending on what happens with Ravens safety Ed Reed. The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks are two other contenders that could give Woodson a look, especially with his versatility between cornerback and safety.
Though it’s hard to say if this is it for Woodson, who’s already had a great career, it’s hard to imagine this being the end.
