Steelers Free Agent Spotlight: DE Al Woods
By Kim Myers
Dec 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey (51) and guard Sam Brenner (65) pass block against Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Al Woods (65) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Dolphins won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
We’re going to finish up the defensive line free agents with Al Woods. Woods was drafted in the fourth round of the 2010 draft by the New Orleans Saints and has spent the last three seasons on the Steelers roster. He will be an unrestricted free agent come March 11th.
Al Woods spent the early part of his career on practice squads and waivers. He was drafted by the Saints but was released before the 2010 began. From then he was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad but signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2010 season. In 2011 he played two games for the Seattle Seahawks before making his way back to Pittsburgh.
In his 2013 season for the Steelers he totaled 8 tackles and 2 sacks. He started two games for the Black & Gold due in part to injuries by Steve McLendon and Brett Keisel. His play can be determined as both promising but inconsistent. He can offer some flexibility in his position on the line and he’s got what Bob Labriola of the Steelers digest describes as “decent pass-rushing skills”.
This decision is up in the air for the Steelers. Clearly, Woods is going to be a low-cost contract but he has already spent time with other teams in the league so it’s not like the Steelers have the inside track on him. He would provide depth and flexibility on the line so there’s value there but not necessarily value they couldn’t find elsewhere. I don’t see Woods as a starter of the future for the Steelers so, in my opinion, there might not be a long-term relationship in the future for the Steelers and Woods.
What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Do you see Al Woods as a Steeler going forward?
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