Charles Woodson is on the wrong side of 30 -- he's on the wrong side of 35 -- but the celebrated free-agent defensive back wants to play again next season. At least four teams have shown some interest.
ESPN's Josina Anderson cited league sources to report that Woodson's camp has been contacted by the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and New York Giants.
These are exploratory calls -- passed along by an agent -- but it's not a surprise Woodson's phone is ringing. Yes, he's 36 and no longer starting material, but the eight-time Pro Bowl defensive back is bound to find work if he's willing to accept a lesser role.
We have Woodson ranked as the No. 10 free-agent safety, below Patrick Chung and above old-as-the-sea Ronde Barber. One personnel executive described Woodson as "in some decline but still has enough to compete to start in 2013. ... Still quick and instinctive."
If Woodson is pondering his legacy, the best fit is a Super Bowl contender looking for support. Teams such as the Jets and Dolphins make no sense. The Seahawks fit because Pete Carroll knows how to make the most of a player like Woodson. Someone is going to offer him a deal, but don't take these early, agent-generated reports too seriously.
UPDATE:Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald cited a team source to report the Dolphins have, indeed, called about Woodson. A second team source acknowledged the Dolphins have "moderate" interest in the safety, which makes some sense considering coach Joe Philbin's past history with Woodson in Green Bay.
Anderson also tweeted that Woodson's agent, Carl Poston, told her: "I talked to Charles Woodson (Wednesday) and we're discussing possible upcoming visits. There are a number of teams that have expressed interest in him. He is still interested in playing for a contender."
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
