CHARLOTTE — The Panthers knew they needed safety help going into free agency, and appear to have found it.
According to multiple reports, the Panthers are nearing an agreement with free agent safety Xavier Woods. No deals can be finalized until the new league year starts on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old safety gives them a solid starting option, with veteran Juston Burris headed to unrestricted free agency.
Woods played for the Vikings last season, starting all 17 games, after spending his first four years with the Cowboys.
The Louisiana Tech product has 65 career starts and eight career interceptions, three last season. He also gives the Panthers another experienced option in a young secondary.
They have three unrestricted free agent cornerbacks, no corners on the roster older than 24, and a thin depth chart at safety beyond starter Jeremy Chinn.
