5 Vikings players with soaring stock at the bye week

Xavier Woods – S

There were more than a few eyebrows raised when the Vikings swooped for Xavier Woods in free agency. The safety endured a difficult campaign for the Cowboys in 2020, which left many wondering whether his career was already past the point of no return.

Those doubts seem to have been alleviated over the last six weeks.

Woods certainly looks like a commanding presence on the backend. Playing with an experienced All-Pro in Harrison Smith has been highly beneficial and Minnesota’s defense has picked up considerably after a torrid 2020 campaign.

Strengthening the safety position was seen as a top priority for the Vikings next spring. It might still be if Smith and the team don’t agree on an extension.

However, it might be worth the Vikings keeping Woods around if his initial contribution continues or gets better during the next 11 contests.

There is little doubt that Woods’ stock is much higher now than at any point during the offseason. But that will count for nothing if he cannot maintain this consistency for an entire season, which has always been one of the big question marks surrounding the player.