Bears Sign Veteran Safety Xavier Woods
The Chicago Bears have added experienced safety Xavier Woods to their roster following the injury of Coby Bryant, who is anticipated to miss around two months. The team confirmed the signing and placed defensive back Dallis Flowers on injured reserve to accommodate Woods.
Xavier Woods, a nine-year veteran, was selected in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft and has been a starter since his second season. He began his career with the Dallas Cowboys, where he recorded five interceptions over 60 games. After a successful stint with the Vikings, where he achieved a career-high in tackles, Woods signed a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, starting all 46 games and adding five more interceptions to his record.
Woods, who has 121 career starts, will be reuniting with Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris, who coached him during his rookie year. Meanwhile, Bryant, a former Seahawk, is sidelined due to a knee injury sustained in practice, leaving Woods to compete for a starting position alongside rookie Dillon Thieneman.