BREAKING NEWS: Tennessee Titans Agree to Terms with S Xavier Woods for 2-Year, $10 Million Deal
In a significant move for the Tennessee Titans’ defense, the team has reportedly agreed to terms with safety Xavier Woods on a 2-year, $10 million contract. This addition is a key step in strengthening the Titans’ defensive backfield and bolstering their efforts to return to playoff contention in the highly competitive AFC South.
Woods, a seasoned veteran in the NFL, brings with him a wealth of experience and a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable safeties. Over the course of his career, Woods has proven himself as a versatile player, capable of contributing both in coverage and against the run. His leadership and ability to create turnovers are expected to provide a much-needed boost to a Titans secondary that is looking to improve in 2025.
A Look at Xavier Woods’ Career
Xavier Woods, 28, has spent several years in the NFL, first making a name for himself as a standout player with the Dallas Cowboys. Woods was drafted in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft and quickly ascended into a starting role, thanks to his impressive football IQ and physicality on the field. After four seasons with the Cowboys, Woods spent 2021 with the Minnesota Vikings, where he continued to showcase his talents, earning recognition as one of the more consistent safeties in the league.
Known for his range and ability to cover a lot of ground, Woods is a player who can play both free and strong safety positions, giving Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen a lot of flexibility. His ability to read offenses and make critical plays in key moments—whether through interceptions, pass deflections, or key tackles—has made him a valuable asset throughout his career.
What Xavier Woods Brings to the Titans
The addition of Woods to the Titans’ defense addresses a need in the secondary. With a career total of 13 interceptions and 36 pass deflections, Woods is known for his ability to make plays on the ball. His physical style of play also fits well with the Titans’ overall defensive identity, which has been built around a tough, hard-hitting approach.
Woods’ veteran presence will likely have a positive influence on a young Titans defense, helping develop the team’s younger players and providing a steady hand in the defensive backfield. His experience in high-pressure situations, particularly in divisional games and postseason matchups, should give the Titans a valuable resource in close games.
Additionally, the 2-year deal allows the Titans flexibility, as Woods will have the chance to contribute in the short term while also providing the organization an opportunity to evaluate their options moving forward.
Impact on the Titans’ 2025 Defense
The Titans’ defense has had its ups and downs in recent years, with flashes of brilliance but also areas that needed improvement. Adding a player like Woods, who excels at both coverage and tackling, significantly strengthens the safety position. It’s expected that Woods will start alongside Kevin Byard, one of the best safeties in the league, giving the Titans one of the more experienced and talented safety duos in the NFL.
The move also helps to solidify a defense that will need to be strong as the Titans continue to build around their offensive core. With the team looking to compete with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South, every addition that can improve defensive stability is critical.
Xavier Woods’ 2-year, $10 million deal with the Tennessee Titans marks an important step in the team’s offseason efforts to strengthen their defense. His experience, versatility, and ability to make plays on the ball will make an immediate impact, helping to elevate a Titans secondary that has struggled in recent seasons. As the Titans prepare for the 2025 season, the addition of Woods provides hope that their defense will be more than capable of competing with the best in the AFC.