Charles Woodson, a sometimes-troublemaker in Oakland, but 4 time pro bowler, Heisman trophy winner (which never happens for a defensiove player) and talk-walker, has agreed to a seven year deal worth over $50 Mil.
The upside to this signing: You get a player that is extremely gifted physically. He knows how to play in cold weather, coming from the University of Michigan. And coming from the Maize and Blue, a team perennially known for it’s defense, he won the Heisman, which never happens for defensive players. Never. Ok, almost never.
The Packers’ willingness to use him on offense as well as defense is said to be among the tipping-point reasons why he decided to come to Green Bay instead of sunny Tampa Bay. Not sure that’s an upside - Troy Brown w/ the New England Patriots plays both sides of the ball, but that’s a hands guy learning to cover, not a cover guy learning to use his hands. And Woodson hasn’t exactly had hands of Velcro when it comes to snagging interceptions, with only 12 picks in his seven seasons as a pro. LeRoy Butler had 38 picks in his twelve years with the Packers.
The Raiders put the Franchise tag on him twice. Oakland may only have been a wading pool of talent when Woodson was given the tag, but it still tells you something good about him.
The down side to this signing: On a team where player issues abound (Oakland Raiders), when under Norv Turner’s stewardship Woodson had made a power play - to do what exactly, I’m not sure, but I recall him being on ESPN in his metrosexual sunglasses claiming to speak for the team, wanting something to be done about something. Sure, Norv Turner’s never won a Coach of the Year award, but if you make that much effort to throw your coach under the bus, you might not be worth the trouble. Now maybe McCarthy is a hard-ass ala Bill Parcels, and revels at the chance to tame this donkey mustang. I hope so.
He’s got a busted set of wheels. I would hope the Pack worked him out to test the broken leg, but it’s got to be a concern.
So I’m anxious to see if this town is big enough for Woodson and McCarthy, and if Woodson can: 1) Run, 2) Catch.