Packers

49ers Still Interested In Charles Woodson

April 17, 2013

Update:

49ers GM Trent Baalke mentioned that they are “still interested” in free agent DB Charles Woodson, per Matt Maiocco.

This is at least encouraging news for Woodson, as he’s drawn little to no interest during free agency.

He did, however, visit the 49ers back in March, but it doesn’t appear as though a deal is close to being reached.

San Francisco lost Dashon Goldson to the Buccaneers at the start of free agency, so they could use some additional depth at the position. They’ve already added Craig Dahl, but Woodson offers more in terms of versatility and experience.

Given that the 49ers have a ton of draft picks to work with, it would make sense to see them wait on signing a veteran until after upcoming draft.

We have him listed as the No. 22 player in our Best Available Free Agents list.

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Free agent DB Charles Woodson joined NFL AM on Friday and discussed how things have gone since the Packers released him over a month ago.

“I’m 36, so of course I’m considered ancient in the game right now, and teams are looking for younger players and trying to make their rosters younger,” said Woodson. “If you’re an older guy they kind of push you to the side, and they’ll maybe look at you much later on down the road, when I guess they figure they can get you much cheaper.”

It seemed as though Woodson would find at least some interest from teams in need of safety help, but that really hasn’t been the case.

“Nothing right now, nothing substantial. I’m just waiting around. We put feelers out, just to see where everybody’s at, but there’s not much right now,” Woodson said.

Woodson graded out as an above average safety last season, according to Pro Football Focus’ ratings. It doesn’t seem that long ago that Woodson was the league’s defensive player of the year, but it’s evident from watching his tape that he’s lost more than a step.

The Patriots and Ravens were both suggested as potential landing spots, but they’ve already added help at safety this offseason. It’s doubtful that anyone would be willing to offer him a starting job, so we’ll have to see if he ends up considering retirement in the coming months.