5 former Vikings players who will thrive on new teams in 2022
By Dean Jones
Xavier Woods – S
Joining the Minnesota Vikings during free agency last year was exactly what Xavier Woods needed to reignite his career. The safety endured some real struggles with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, but linking up with a defensive-minded coach in Mike Zimmer and also partnering up with an All-Pro in Harrison Smith saw the player return to his old self in a more stable environment.
As it turned out, last season was Woods’ one and only campaign in Minnesota. He was quickly snapped up by the Carolina Panthers on a long-term deal, which will see the former seventh-round pick join forces with Jeremy Chinn, a dynamic young defender that’s gone over 100 tackles in each of his two NFL seasons so far.
Carolina has problems on the offensive side of the football, but their defense made notable strides during the recent campaign. Although they lost Haason Reddick and DaQuan Jones in free agency, adding Woods to a gifted secondary could see this unit become a real force next time around.
Woods deserves enormous credit for bringing his career back from the brink. The Vikings haven’t really replaced him as yet, but hopes remain high that Camryn Bynum can make more of an impact and Minnesota could also take a talented young prospect from the college ranks if the opportunity arises.