JACKSONVILLE – The focus up front continues.
After adding two players to the defensive front-seven early in free agency, the Jaguars have continued to address the area early in the second week of the 2020 League Year.
Al Woods, a defensive tackle who has played for five teams in a decade-long NFL career, has agreed to terms to sign with the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent. The Jaguars announced the move Tuesday in accordance with NFL rules.
"Al adds another respected veteran presence to our defensive line group and brings vast NFL experience to our roster," Head Coach Doug Marrone said. "Over his career, he has proven that he can stop the run and take on blocks in the middle of the defensive line, which helps address an important area for us heading into the upcoming season."
Woods (6-feet-4, 330 pounds), 32, is an 11th-year veteran originally selected by the New Orleans Saints from Louisiana State in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He has played with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2012-2013), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2010), Seahawks (2011, 2019), Tennessee Titans (2014-2016) and Indianapolis Colts (2017-2018).
Woods has registered 204 career tackles with 18 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and three passes defensed. He started five of 14 games for Seattle this past season with 32 tackles and two fumble recoveries and started 16 games for the Colts in 2017 with 44 tackles (20 solo), five tackles for loss and a sack.
Run defensive has been a priority for the Jaguars during this free-agency period. They ranked 27th in the NFL in the area last season. The Jaguars last week agreed to terms with two front-seven defensive players: former Cleveland Browns middle linebacker Joe Schobert and former Cardinals defensive tackle Rodney Gunter.
