Charles Woodson Could Fit In Denver Broncos’ Secondary

Green Bay Packers safety Charles Woodson (21) celebrates a play during the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. (Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)

The Denver Broncos definitely touched the secondary in free agency and the draft. They signed big name free agent Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to play opposite Champ Bailey and they drafted Kayvon Webster with their third round pick.

The one area that they didn’t really touch upon in either market was safety. Of course the Broncos have Mike Adams and Rahim Moore, who did a fine job last season, overall. There’s also backups Quentin Carter and David Bruton.  However, I could see the Broncos signing a proven veteran in the off season, much like they did last year when they signed linebacker Keith Brooking and center Dan Koppen. The Broncos’ roll of the “age dice” paid off as both of these guys became important components to the Broncos season with D.J. Williams suspended for nine games and center J.D. Walton going down with a broken ankle.

I think the team signs an older safety to a one-year contract, and Charles Woodson could be the way to go. Entering his 16th season in the NFL, one might think that his best days are behind him. It’s true, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t provide some value to the Broncos. The Broncos are already experienced in housing an older safety. Brian Dawkins played in the NFL for 16 seasons.

I think even though Woodson’s performance has been on the decline (went from nine interceptions in ’09 to two in ’10. Then went from seven interceptions in ’11 to one pick last season), he could have one more bounce back season in him much like Ronde Barber did in 2012.

Woodson wants to end his career with a ring, and right now, the Broncos look like one of the best destinations out there. That means he would likely be willing to take a huge pay cut. He’s been a free agent for quite some time, and it was only the San Francisco 49ers that were interested in him back in April.

Woodson missed half the season last year with a broken collarbone, but his peers still consider him the 85th best player in all of football.

The Broncos took a $96 million chance on Peyton Manning. If there’s one guy who isn’t afraid of age and injury, it’s John Elway.

The last time Woodson remained on the market was in 2006 when the Raiders decided not to place their franchise tag on him. He stayed on the market until late April, when the Packers inked him to a seven-year, $52 million deal. No one will be paying him anything close to that same rate over a one-year deal, and hopefully Woodson (and his agent) is realistic about that.

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