NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans' own free-agent class didn't offer them a lot worth keeping.
But the agency representing Al Woods tweeted Friday night that the Titans and the nose tackle reached a three-year agreement.
Al Woods has agreed to terms on a 3-year contract to return to the Tennessee @Titans. pic.twitter.com/fAE9LAE8SG
— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) March 12, 2016
Woods played 14 games and started nine last season. He drew strong reviews for his training camp work and then was elevated to the starting lineup at the start of the season as Sammie Hill needed time to recover from knee surgery.
Woods had a better opportunity and better production in 2015, his second year with the Titans, when he was reunited with then defensive assistant coach Dick LeBeau. Woods played his first four years in the league under LeBeau in Pittsburgh.
Like the rest of the defense, his play dropped off as the season moved along.
The Titans used a nose tackle on 53.9 percent of their defensive plays. Of those plays, Woods was the guy 61.7 percent of the time -- on 334 snaps.
Nose tackle in the Titans' 3-4 is a part-time role. But first- and second-down run defense can have a giant bearing on third down, and the Titans have to put people in more difficult situations there.
The Titans will add another unless they intend on moving Angelo Blackson there. It will be interesting to see if that newcomer rates in front of or behind Woods?
