NFL free agency: Xavier Woods signs two-year contract with Tennessee Titans

A former Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers star will reportedly sign with the Tennessee Titans during NFL free agency. Safety Xavier Woods is set to join the Titans on a two-year contract.

The Athletic’s Jeff Howe first reported the news of Woods’ new two-year deal. The contract will be worth $10 million.

After becoming a sixth-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2017 NFL Draft, Xavier Woods quickly carved out his spot on the roster. He appeared in 16 games as a rookie, tallying 42 tackles, a fumble recovery, an interception and three passes defended.

His productivity would only increase from there. He became a regular contributor in the Dallas secondary for the next four years.

Following that, Xavier Woods spent a year in Minnesota in 2021 before he was acquired by the Carolina Panthers in 2022. He spent the past three seasons there.

During his eight years in the NFL to this point, Xavier Woods has logged 621 tackles, a sack, five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 13 interceptions and 47 passes defended.

He’ll be a nice fit in Tennessee, as he was in both Dallas and Carolina before that. Woods is now 29 years old, so he’s presumably got some good years left in front of him still.

Dallas Cowboys sign DE Payton Turner

In non-Xavier Woods news, Dallas has begun its free agency activity. The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to a one-year deal with defensive end Payton Turner, per The Athletic‘s Todd Archer. Turner had 21 tackles, two sacks, four pass deflections and two forced fumbles in 16 games last year for the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints selected Turner with the No. 28 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite Turner’s fantastic build and stunning athleticism, he’s faced numerous injuries throughout his NFL career.

Last season was the first time he played more than half the games in a campaign. Now, Payton Turner will look to reach new heights as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.

He’s joining the Cowboys at the beginning of a new era for the organization. After parting ways with head coach Mike McCarthy earlier this year, the Dallas Cowboys promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach.

The Cowboys initially hired Schottenheimer as a consultant in 2022. However, he was promoted to offensive coordinator on Feb. 4, 2023. Now, Schottenheimer will take the final step on the staff ladder and have a chance to lead the Cowboys.

On3’s Grant Grubbs also contributed to this report.