The Viking Age
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Vikings add former Cowboys safety to solidify secondary

By Adam Carlson

Nov 22, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys free safety Xavier Woods (25) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys free safety Xavier Woods (25) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The secondary for the Minnesota Vikings struggled mightily in 2020. A lack of experience and some tough injuries forced the unit to play some individuals who weren’t quite ready for action and it resulted in some tough losses for the squad.

Minnesota seems to be focused on making sure the defense doesn’t struggle the way they did last season. The Vikings have been active in free agency by signing defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, defensive end Stephen Weatherly, and cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Mackensie Alexander.

Now, it seems as though the team has found their starting safety to pair with Harrison Smith after the exit of Anthony Harris in free agency this offseason. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Twitter that Minnesota has agreed to terms on a one-year deal that will bring former Dallas Cowboys safety Xavier Woods.

Rapoport’s comments on the signing are true. This seems like a great value signing for the purple and gold where Woods should fit right in with the Minnesota Vikings secondary and could thrive with so much defensive talent around him. If he plays well, the solid defender will be in line for a much bigger contract next season when the salary cap bounces back.

Woods played in 60 games for the Cowboys since entering the league as a sixth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and started 48 of those contests. During those four seasons, he accumulated 247 combined tackles, five interceptions, four tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

This signing not only helps out a defense in need of bouncing back after a hugely disappointing season in 2020, but it will allow the Vikings to not have to use a top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on a cornerback and hope they will be able to come to the team and play at a high level in Week 1.

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