Jacksonville Jaguars DL Al Woods is opting out for the 2020 season, the team announced today.
The 11-year veteran signed a one-year deal with Jacksonville back in March.
“While I was excited to join the Jaguars, I have made the tough decision, given the current status of COVID-19, to opt-out for the 2020 season,” Woods said. “The health and safety of my family has always been the most important thing in my life. I love the game of football and will be rooting hard for my teammates this season, and I look forward to re-joining the Jaguars in 2021.”
Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone added: “As I mentioned to our media yesterday, we all understand the risk associated with COVID-19, and we will fully support any of our players and coaches that choose to opt-out this season. It is important for every individual to feel comfortable and to believe that they’re doing what’s right for themselves and their family. As an organization, we respect Al’s decision and are fully understanding.”
In 2019, Woods played in 14 games with five starts for the Seahawks and registered 32 tackles and a career-high two fumble recoveries. He started all 16 games for the first time in his career in 2017 with Indianapolis and tallied a career-high 44 tackles (20 solo), five tackles for loss and 1.0 sack.
The NFL and NFLPA are still finalizing the deadline for players to opt-out of the 2020 season.
“Al adds another respected veteran presence to our defensive line group and brings vast NFL experience to our roster,” said Head Coach Doug Marrone. “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, 6-4, 330, was originally drafted by New Orleans in the fourth round (123rd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. In his 10 seasons in the NFL, Woods has played in 125 career games (48 starts) and registered 204 tackles (101 solo), 18 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and recovered two fumbles. Woods has played for five teams during his NFL career, including Seattle (2011 and 2019), Indianapolis (2017-18), Tennessee (2014-16), Pittsburgh (2012-13) and Tampa Bay (2010).
Last season, Woods played in 14 games with five starts for the Seahawks and registered 32 tackles and a career-high two fumble recoveries. He started all 16 games for the first time in his career in 2017 with Indianapolis and tallied a career-high 44 tackles (20 solo), five tackles for loss and 1.0 sack.
In 2019, the 32-year-old Woods was suspended for four games after violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Woods would miss the final two regular season games and playoffs for Seattle before being reinstated on January 13.
