The Green Bay Packers announced they have released safety Charles Woodson. During the postseason, the 49ers were exposed in the secondary and struggled. Woodson will be 37 in October and he has made the Pro Bowl in four of the last five seasons. Most recently in 2011, he had seven interceptions. Here are reasons why the 16-year veteran should or shouldn't be a 49er for 2013:
Pros:
-He's a veteran that knows the game. Woodson began his career as a CB with the Raiders before being converted to safety with the Packers. He would be a help to the young safeties like Trenton Robinson to mentor for the future.
-Woodson is an eight-time Pro Bowler and has made the All-Pro team seven times. His career was even better in his later years ever since he was converted to safety where he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. Woodson led the league in interceptions during the 2009 and 2011 seasons.
-The 49ers could use more depth at the safety position. With Robinson and Darcel McBath rarely seeing playing time, the gap in talent between the reserves and starters is large. Woodson would potentially be part of a three-man rotation with Donte Whitner and Dashon Goldson if he was signed.
Cons:
-Woodson could end up like Randy Moss where he has a limited role with the team and be ineffective with the 49ers. He doesn't have a diva reputation, but he could reduce the growth of the younger safeties on the team if signed.
-He is coming off a broken collar bone injury where he played the fewest amount of game in his career since his last year with the Raiders 2005. Woodson was limited throughout the 2012 season and showed signs of decline when playing.
-Woodson will not have a high asking price, but can the 49ers outbid other teams who want him? They have their own situation to deal with being right up against the salary cap for 2013. Trent Baalke will have several decisions to make on who to keep and who to re-sign before looking at other free agents.
With the 49ers having needs in the secondary, it makes sense to at least talk to him, but the odds are that he won't be with the team in 2013. The team needs to get younger and address other positions instead of signing a veteran safety.
Woodson would want to play for a contending team to give him another shot at a championship and the 49ers would be an attractive team to go to. The upside is how he would be a passing down specialist for the secondary if the 49ers sign him.
If Woodson becomes a 49er, expect the team to have trouble filling other holes on the team. Baalke should have him valued at a certain level and if other teams offer more, don't expect him the 49ers to give in.
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