Charles Woodson Set to Hit Free Agency After Packers Release Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year

by Mark Loiselle on Fri, Feb 15, 2013 at 6:06PM

Charles Woodson is back on the market.

Woodson was released by the Packers on Friday, according to a team statement, after playing seven seasons in Green Bay. The move will save the Packers over $10 million in salary cap space for next season, which will give them close to $18 million in space heading into free agency.

The 36-year-old Woodson, who received NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2012, finished last season with 38 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception. The eight-time Pro Bowler and 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year isn’t planning to retire and does want to play a few more years, according to Ian Rapoport.

Is Charles Woodson retiring now that he’s cut? “I just talked to him. He sounds like he has a lot of football left” — agent Carl Poston

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 15, 2013

The cornerback turned safety became a defensive leader during his time in Green Bay and showed at times in 2012 that he is still a very capable defender. He is expected to join Ed Reed, Dashon Goldson and a few other talented safeties in this year’s free-agent class, so his market may not open up for a little while.