The Carolina Panthers will have some very important decisions to make regarding their own free agents this offseason, as they don’t have a lot of money to spend.
Perhaps the biggest Panthers player heading into the open market is Xavier Woods, who has accumulated 119 tackles, three interceptions and six passes.
The 29-year-old has spent the last three seasons in Carolina after signing with the club in free agency in March 2022, but his time with the Panthers could be coming to an end.
Joe Person of the Athletic predicts that Carolina will allow Woods to walk this offseason, noting that the Panthers may want a makeover at the safety position.
“Woods has been a mainstay on the back end of the Panthers defense since signing a three-year, $15.75 million contract in 2022.” Nobody wrote. “Despite starting 46 games over the past three seasons, Woods could be part of a mass exodus as Dave Canales and defensive coordinator Ejiro Everro look to remake the safety room.”
While Woods’ traditional numbers looked good in 2024, a deeper look at his stats reveals he wasn’t exactly having the best season. Woods recorded a 57 overall rating from Pro Football Focus, totaling a measly 55.4 rating from coverage.
Considering Carolina just posted the worst defense in NFL history, perhaps it’s time for the team to start overhauling the unit.
There should be some good safeties available this offseason, but whether or not the Panthers spend their money is anyone’s guess.
Carolina could always look to the NFL Draft for an answer.
Ron Rivera planned to take a high-level NFL coaching job
Carolina Panthers could steal star cornerback from hated rival
Panthers named among top fits for top 2025 free agent quarterback
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Panthers planned to pick ball safety
