Al Woods‘ third Seahawks stint is over. The team announced the release of the veteran nose tackle Monday night. Woods has been a regular starter during this latest Seattle run.
The Seahawks continue to make changes on their defensive line. They have moved on from Quinton Jefferson and Shelby Harris, and the team has signed Dre’Mont Jones and brought back Jarran Reed. The Woods cut saves $3.67MM in cap space, moving the team near $15MM.
Woods’ third Seattle stay lasted two seasons, and the mammoth D-tackle started 30 games for the team during that stretch. The former fourth-round Saints pick, however, played for the Seahawks during the 2011 and 2019 seasons as well. Overall, the LSU product has enjoyed quite a run for himself. Woods, who will turn 36 on Saturday, has played 155 career games.
Generously listed at 330 pounds, Woods has patrolled the middle of a few teams’ defensive lines during his 13-season career. He has played for the Saints, Seahawks, Steelers, Titans, Colts and Jaguars. Woods opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, and the Jaguars moved on early in Urban Meyer‘s tenure. But the Seahawks gave him another opportunity soon after.
The Seahawks made Woods a defensive captain last season, and Pro Football Focus ranked him 32nd among interior D-linemen during the team’s surprise journey to the playoffs. Woods played on 39% of Seattle’s defensive snaps last season. While that was down from his 52% snap rate in 2021, the team prioritized his return — on a two-year, $9MM deal — despite new DC Clint Hurtt bringing a scheme change from Ken Norton Jr.‘s tenure.
Woods totaled 39 tackles (five for loss) and a forced fumble last season. He began the year on a good note, helping Seattle thwart two Denver goal-to-go situations in what turned out to be a pivotal win for playoff-qualification purposes. But Woods will be one of the parts being shipped out as Jones and Reed enter the equation. He could well have the opportunity to continue his career in 2023.
Woods, Harris and Jefferson are gone, and Poona Ford remains unsigned. Seattle still has four-year contributor Bryan Mone on its offseason roster, but its D-line room is undoubtedly unfinished as the second week of free agency starts.
Need to get Poona signed then take one of the edge rushers in the draft maybe 2.
Poona is probably good as gone as both Carroll and John weren’t impress with the DL this season.. ford is best suited for 4-3 and Seahawks is sticking with 3-4 they need a DL who is capable and suited for 3-4 defense
While that is mostly true Poona is good at clogging the middle of the line. More for run stopping than pass rush. I could see him leaving especially if we grab Carter. Still would like to see them make a trade down to get an extra 1st next year. Better QB talent next year.
Cater lack the ability to take control of his career.. going to end up being a bust like collier
He does have that ability I would go even further. He has the ability to be a bust like Curry. For a can’t miss player he sure didn’t hit. Absolutely amazing how he couldn’t read a D or cover anyone.
Looks like Hawks will be loading up on young DE and DL in draft. Making room.
Seattle with the 5th pick in the NFL draft select: Jaylen Carter DT
Carter is pass, out of shape after the season at combine and out of breath means the dude isn’t taking his football career seriously