The Las Vegas Raiders shocked the NFL on Tuesday when the team signed former Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams. Adams wasn't the only defensive back the Raiders signed on Tuesday, though, as the team also came to terms with former LA Chargers safety JT Woods.
The Chargers drafted Woods in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft as a developmental prospect. Viewed as a reach at the time, the Chargers were betting high on Woods' athletic ceiling under former head coach Brandon Staley.
Staley failed to develop Woods, who didn't last more than one training camp under Jim Harbaugh. Woods was cut prior to the 2024 season and has bounced around multiple teams, now landing with the Raiders.
Chargers should hope JT Woods suits up for the Raiders
Those who remember Woods' time in powder blue remember the coverage gaffes that would often cost the defense. Whether it be in training camp, the preseason or the regular season, Woods turned in far more poor efforts than he did quality efforts.
The Chargers tried everything to make Woods work, even trying him out at cornerback after drafting him to be a safety. This didn't salvage Woods' Chargers tenure, but it may have given the Raiders an idea. Woods was referred to as a cornerback by Ian Rapoport.
The Raiders' secondary isn't in the greatest shape and it's doubtful that Woods (or Adams, for that matter) will have a positive impact. If anything, the Chargers should hope that Woods impresses enough in camp and the preseason to be an active member of the Raiders' roster in Week 2.
The Chargers have to take advantage if Woods somehow sees the field for the Raiders. Los Angeles knows firsthand how Woods can negatively impact the pass defense and should target him any chance the team gets.
That being said, even with a bad secondary, it's unlikely Woods makes the roster unless there are a slew of injuries. Both the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks have taken a chance on Woods over the last year only to release him just as quickly as he was signed.
It's usually a sign when a third-round pick is cut by his team before his third season and is subsequently shown the door by his next two teams. It's pretty rare for a player to turn it around once they reach that rock bottom.
But hey, the Raiders are obviously seeing enough in Woods to at least take a stab. If Woods somehow convinces the Raiders to keep him around, he finally may have a positive impact on the team that drafted him.