Chicago Bears Sign Veteran Safety Xavier Woods to Address Depth Shortage The Chicago Bears made a significant roster move on Friday, signing veteran safety Xavier Woods to a one-year contract to bolster their depth at the position following a series of injuries. The decision came after safety Coby Bryant suffered a left knee injury earlier in the week, which will sideline him for 8-10 weeks. With the team desperate for reliable playmakers at safety, Woods’ experience and track record made him an attractive option for the Bears. Woods, 31, brings a wealth of NFL experience to the roster, having started 121 games over nine seasons. His career began with the Dallas Cowboys, where he was selected in the sixth round of the 2017 draft. He spent four seasons with the Cowboys before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. After one year in Minnesota, Woods moved to the Carolina Panthers, where he played three seasons, and later joined the Tennessee Titans. Last season, he recorded two interceptions in 10 starts with the Titans, showcasing his ability to make plays in critical moments. The Bears’ need for safety depth has been exacerbated by multiple injuries during training camp. In addition to Bryant’s injury, Elijah Hicks began camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to shin issues. Gervarrius Owens was carted off the field during a punt drill after sustaining a leg injury, while Cam Lewis, who had been filling in for the injured Kyler Gordon at slot corner, was moved to Bryant’s position. He has since been paired with Dillon Thieneman, the Bears’ first-round pick in the 2023 draft, to create a more balanced defensive backfield. Woods’ signing also required the Bears to make a roster adjustment to create space.#chicago_bears #minnesota_vikings #carolina_panters #xavier_woods #coby_bryant
