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Raiders dangling C. Woodson for first-round pick
Feb. 27, 2003
By Pete Prisco
SportsLine.com Senior Writer
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It's not often one of the premier cover corners in the NFL becomes trade material, but the Oakland Raiders are peddling Charles Woodson in hopes of getting a first-round pick in exchange, according to a league source.
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Woodson, arguably the best corner in the league when healthy, is entering the final year of his current contract, which could have an impact on any decision the Raiders would make in trading him. Woodson is set to make $1.812 million in 2003. With a cap hit of $3.820 million, he's somewhat of a bargain. But if the Raiders trade him, he would save them $1.3 million against the cap.
Any team that would trade for him would also likely have to try and work out some kind of long-term deal with Woodson before making the deal, although it's not required. Woodson will almost certainly be seeking a deal that would make him the highest-paid cornerback in the league.
The 26-year-old Woodson played in just eight games, starting seven, after breaking his leg early last season. He did return to play in the playoffs and in the Super Bowl loss to the Bucs.
He had just one interception on the year, and has only two in the past two seasons. Despite the numbers, he is considered an outstanding man cover player, which makes him a valuable commodity.
The Raiders needed to trim nearly $45 million from their cap by Friday, and have trimmed some of it by restructuring the contracts of several players, including right tackle Lincoln Kennedy .
But they also will be forced to release several key veterans. Among those who will be released, according to a source, are cornerback Tory James, defensive end Regan Upshaw, defensive tackle Sam Adams and safety Anthony Dorsett.
If the Raiders trade Woodson, it would mean they would open the 2003 season with two different starting corners than the pair that started in the Super Bowl, since James is going to be released. Second-year player Phillip Buchanon is expected to be one starter as he returns from a broken wrist that forced him to miss much of last season.