EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings have bolstered their safeties group through free agency.
Minnesota agreed to terms with Xavier Woods, the team announced Monday. The 25-year-old has spent the past four seasons in Dallas.
View photos of new Vikings S Xavier Woods who recently joined the team.
Originally a sixth-round draft pick by the Cowboys in 2017, Woods has started 48 of 60 games played. In that time, he's totaled 243 tackles (league stats), five interceptions, four tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 18 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. The 2020 season marked Woods' first without a pick.
On NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal's list of the top 101 potential free agents, Woods came in at No. 64 (as of the Monday prior to free agency starting).
Woods excelled at Louisiana Tech, where he played 53 games (51 starts) and snagged 14 interceptions over four seasons. At the conclusion of his collegiate career, his 325 interception return yards set a new program record for the Bulldogs.
In high school, Woods started as a wide receiver before transitioning to defensive back as a sophomore. During his first season on defense, he intercepted six passes and returned two of them for touchdowns.
Woods adds experience to a position group led by All-Pro safety Harrison Smith. Former Vikings safety Anthony Harris recently signed with the Eagles in free agency.
