The Tennessee Titans have strengthened their secondary with veteran Safety Xavier Woods, who signed a two-year, $10 million contract according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Woods, a veteran defensive back entering his ninth year in the league, spent the last three years with the Carolina Panthers. He is joining a Tennessee team looking to fortify its defensive backfield.
Woods Brings Experience To Tennessee’s Secondary
Xavier Woods’ entry in Tennessee gives the Titans a tested veteran presence in the secondary. Woods, who had 119 tackles and 3 interceptions in the 2024 season. He will now be part of a safety unit including Amani Hooker and Mike Brown. His skill and playmaking at the line of scrimmage should be a useful addition to a Titans defense that struggled in the secondary last season.
The Woods addition also gives leadership to Tennessee’s young secondary. With Cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed, Roger McCreary, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., and Chidobe Awuzie rounding out the defensive backfield, Woods’ veteran leadership will anchor the unit. His experience as a durable starter, having started 111 games in his career, should infuse some much-needed stability into a Titans defense seeking to improve in 2025.
Woods Adds Battle Tested Attitude To Titans Defense
Since arriving in the league as a 2017 sixth-round draft choice, Woods has been a solid contributor to the secondary. He played his first four years with the Dallas Cowboys and then played with the Minnesota Vikings for one season before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2022. Woods has started 111 games in his eight seasons in the NFL and has established himself as a steady run defender, posting the most snaps in the league (558) versus the run as any defensive back in 2024.
Statistically, Woods enjoyed a career year in 2024, matching his career high with 3 interceptions and registering 119 tackles — fourth-most among defensive backs. However, his coverage abilities were erratic at times, allowing a 68.6% completion rate, 5 touchdowns, and a 102.2 passer rating in coverage. Pro Football Focus assigned Woods a 57.0 overall grade, ranking him 76th among safeties with some potential room for growth in pass defense.
Final Thoughts
While Woods is not a game-changer, his experience and sound tackling ability will help fortify the Titans’ secondary. Tennessee has established a solid foundation of defensive backs, and Woods’ addition should provide veteran leadership and stability. If he can be more consistent in coverage, this signing has the potential to be a quietly valuable investment for the defensive unit as they head into the 2025 season.
