Titans Sign Safety Xavier Woods Ahead of New League Year

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans have reached an agreement with safety Xavier Woods on a two-year, $10 million contract ahead of the official start of the new NFL league year.

Reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, confirmed on March 11, 2025, indicate that Woods, who participated in 100% of the Carolina Panthers‘ defensive snaps last season, will join the Titans starting Wednesday.

Woods, who stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs 200 pounds, began his NFL journey as the 191st overall pick in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He has since played with the Minnesota Vikings and then the Panthers, who signed him to a three-year, $15.75 million contract in March 2022.

In the 2024 season, Woods showcased his skills by appearing in all 17 games for the Panthers, recording 119 tackles, including two for a loss, along with three interceptions and six defended passes.

“Xavier brings a wealth of experience and versatility to our defense,” said Titans general manager Rand Gettleman. “His proven track record and ability to perform in high-pressure situations will be invaluable to us moving forward.”

Woods had a notable career at Louisiana Tech University, where he was a four-year starter. He tallied 181 tackles, 14 interceptions, and earned a reputation as a top performer at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine, ranking highly in several drills. His impressive stats included a 40-yard dash time of 4.54 seconds and a 7.68 RAS score.

Despite a solid career, last season Woods ranked 125th out of 170 safeties according to Pro Football Focus, finishing with an overall grade of 57. His challenges were apparent, as he played 1,216 defensive snaps, earning grades of 53.5 in pass rush, 59.7 in run defense, and 55.4 in pass coverage.

With this signing, Woods aims to bolster the Titans’ secondary as the team prepares for the upcoming season.