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The Indianapolis Colts signed free agent nose tackle Al Woods to a two-year, $5 million deal on Friday. In addition, the Colts re-signed versatile defensive back Darius Butler to a one-year deal. The Colts plan to move Butler to safety this season, and his deal has a base salary of $3 million with a maximum of $4.5 million possible through incentives and escalators, the Indianapolis Star reported.
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The 6-foot-4, 307-pound Woods has seven years of NFL experience with the Tennessee Titans (2014-16), Pittsburgh Steelers (2011-13), Seattle Seahawks (2011) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2010), playing in 81 career games (19 starts) with 120 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two passes defensed.
"Al has the ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line," Colts general manager Chris Ballard said in a statement. "Adding an experienced veteran like Al will help us win battles up front."
Woods, who turns 30 on March 25, was originally selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round (123rd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft out of LSU.
In 2016, Woods played in 12 games (seven starts) and tallied 17 tackles and two tackles for loss with the Titans. He appeared in 14 games (nine starts) in 2015 and tied his career-high with 31 tackles, while adding three tackles for loss. In 2014, Woods appeared in all 16 games (one start) for the second consecutive season and compiled 31 tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack.
The 5-10, 188-pound Butler, who will turn 31 on Saturday, split time last season between cornerback and safety because of injuries.
Butler, now entering his sixth season in Indianapolis, led the Colts in interceptions in three of his five seasons, including in 2016 when he had three. He has also played for the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots in his eight NFL seasons, recording 15 career interceptions.
