Xavier Woods is the latest big-name signing on defense for the Minnesota Vikings, and there is a lot to like about his ability to make a lasting contribution.
The Minnesota Vikings continue to strengthen their defense in free agency and few would say these additions aren’t welcome.
Mike Zimmer’s once-proud defensive unit went through some significant complications in 2020 that stemmed from a series of veteran departures, COVID-19 opt-outs, and a big-time injury to stud defensive end Danielle Hunter, that only complicated matters on the field.
However, with Hunter and Michael Pierce set to return in 2021 and plenty of high-impact signings already made, things could turn around in a big way.
Minnesota pulled off another major acquisition on Saturday in the form of safety Xavier Woods, who suited up for the Dallas Cowboys last season, and he joins the Vikings on a one-year, $2.25 million deal.
This could be a shrewd move by the front office if Woods puts his disappointing 2020 campaign behind him. Dallas struggled, once again, to reach their preseason hype last year, which always seems to be the case. A new environment with less pressure on his shoulders could be just what the former Lousiana Tech safety needs at this juncture.
Minnesota has worked miracles this offseason with little in the way of financial resources available. They have made some sacrifices, of that there is little doubt. But it’s hard to look at their defense and not think they will make some substantial improvements next season.
Woods promises to play a huge part in any success that comes the Vikings’ way. What are some of the reasons why he should be a big hit in 2021?
Woods has bounce-back potential
Although Woods did struggle last season for the Cowboys, he wasn’t alone. The team was, once again, disappointing on their way to missing the playoffs in a dismal NFC East. This resulted in the team hiring a new defensive coordinator in Dan Quinn to galvanize the franchise next season.
This is the best possible outcome for Woods, who gets the chance for a fresh start on a defense that seems tailormade for him to bounce back.
Minnesota’s formidable defensive front is matched by a strong core of linebackers at the second level, along with the signings of Patrick Peterson and Mackensie Alexander adding another big boost to a secondary that went through its fair share of complications in 2020, thanks in part to inexperience.
Providing Woods makes a smooth transition into Zimmer’s scheme, it could see the former sixth-round pick get back to the sort of form that saw him achieve grades of more than 70 from Pro Football Focus over his first three years in the NFL.
The Harrison Smith factor
Another reason why Xavier Woods has a good chance of making a big impression on the Vikings next season is the partner alongside him. Harrison Smith might be a little long in the tooth now, but few would argue he isn’t still one of the best playmakers around on the backend.
Smith is the driving force on the Vikings’ defense and he is one of the primary leaders within the locker room. The former Notre Dame star was responsible for Anthony Harris coming of age before moving on to the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. So if he can have a similar impact on Woods, it will stand Minnesota in enormously good stead.
Woods didn’t have anything like the sort of talent Smith possesses at safety next to him during his time with the Cowboys. The pair have skill sets that could complement each other well, although nobody can truly know this for sure until they get on the gridiron in a competitive environment.
Having such an experienced and prolific veteran as Smith to lean on is a significant asset for Woods as he looks to get his career back on track. If the young safety can make the most of this and produce the goods on the field, then it might come with a bigger commitment from the Vikings when things improve from a salary-cap perspective next year.
Woods’ urgency
Nobody will know about what’s at stake in 2021 more than Xavier Woods. Players tend to get a pass for one down year of production if they’ve accumulated a good body of work before that, but another campaign of inconsistency might leave his future prospects of being a starter incredibly slim.
This added sense of urgency should be all Woods needs. There is no more margin for error for a guy who worked hard to emerge from a late-round pick to a successful starter, so he won’t want all this dedication wasted.
Woods seems like he’ll fit in well with the Vikings. This is a defense that now has the right blend of youth and experience in a bid to get themselves back to being one of the dominant units of years gone by. If the safety can play his part, it will not only offset the loss of Anthony Harris, but it might even come with an upgrade considering how much the former Minnesota safety regressed down the stretch last season.
What comes next will ultimately be down to Woods. His problems in coverage for the Cowboys last season were there for all to see and any further complications will see him shown the door by Mike Zimmer once his contract is up next year.
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Big things are expected of Minnesota’s defensive in 2021 thanks to some eye-catching arrivals all over the field. Woods was the missing piece to the puzzle on the backend and it would be a huge surprise if he didn’t thrive with so much at stake on a personal level.