Poll Time: Who Should Play Strong Safety in 2013…Woodson?
By MC Boltman
Hey BoltFam! As you surely remember, I put two articles out here on boltbeat.com discussing the Bolts´ strong safety situation. Besides left tackle, this position seems to be accompanied by the biggest question mark at this point.
Last year´s starter Atari Bigby was cut days before the 2013 free agency started (he´s still unsigned by the way) and the Chargers´ 2012 third round pick and “hope for the future”, Brandon Taylor, ended the season on injured reserve – just like Bigby. The question here is once again: how can we find a solution for this roster spot for the upcoming season?
Well, I already made a case for the re-signing of Quentin Jammer and installation as strong safety for the San Diego Chargers in 2013. U-T San Diego on the other hand reported that the Bolts´ are planning to move Marcus Gilchrist over to that vacant spot next to Eric Weddle in the last line of the defense.
Well, now another name comes into the mix: the word is out that Charles Woodson changed his mind and not necessarily “needs” to play for a Super Bowl contender anymore; i.e. he is open-minded to jump on a team´s roster which is in “rebuilding stage”. Well, sounds like he´s turning his head south (…SoCal). Does Charles Woodson make sense for the Chargers? Let´s take a quick look at this guy and his history…
Woodson was selected by the Oakland Raiders with the fourth overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. In 2006 he went on to play for the Green Bay Packers and spent the past seven years with the team. He was voted eight times to the Pro Bowl and named seven times to the All-Pro team in his career. Woodson also won the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year award, but he has seen his play decline in recent years. In 2012, the former corner was converted to safety but was limited to just seven games after suffering a broken collarbone in October. The the 36-year old veteran finished the season with 38 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.
And what´s also important to know about him, is that he was a $11.5 million cap hit for the Green Bay Packers last season. Woodson was owed about $9.5 to $10 million in salary and roster bonuses in 2013, and the Cheeseheads decided he wasn’t worth such a gaudy price tag. So, should the Chargers pull the trigger on the former cornerback and pay him about $10 million for playing strong safety in the Chargers´ secondary in 2013?
Again you´re invited to jump into Tom Telesco´s role and decide:
What should the Bolts´ front office do to fix the strong safety position for the 2013 season?
What should the Bolts´ front office do to fix the strong safety position for the 2013 season?