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The Indianapolis Colts announced on Tuesday that the team has signed former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Antwaun Woods—while waiving linebacker Anthony Butler in a corresponding roster move.
Woods has reportedly signed on a one-year deal.
The Colts hosted Woods on Monday and apparently, liked what they both saw and heard—as the two sides made quick work on inking a contract together.
The former undrafted free agent defensive tackle out of USC in 2016 has also spent time with the Tennessee Titans organization (2016-17) in addition to the Cowboys (2018-20).
At 6’1”, 310 pounds (with 31” inch arms), Woods has recorded 83 tackles (25 solo), 4 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a pass defensed, and 2 fumble recoveries during 40 career games (32 starts) with both the Titans and Cowboys.
He had 23 tackles (7 solo), a sack, and 2 total QB pressures during 14 games (7 starts) for the Cowboys this past season.
. . . Per PFF (subscription), Woods was their 85th highest graded interior defender with a +58.3 overall grade in 2020.
He was also instrumental in the midseason improvement of the Cowboys defense during last season—after having been inserted into their starting lineup:
Cowboys waived NT Antwaun Woods, source confirmed. Woods sparked defense’s midseason improvement in 2020 when moved to starting lineup. Team has added six D-linemen since March (three free agents, three draft picks). All six with at least 34-inch arms. Length a Dan Quinn emphasis
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) May 5, 2021
While he doesn’t have the long arms like Colts’ All-Pro DeForest Buckner or rookie Dayo Odeyingbo, Woods should provide proven quality depth at the one-technique, nose tackle spot behind rock solid starter Grover Stewart as a rotational defensive lineman.
More of a run stuffer than pure pass rusher—showcasing his strength, Woods will be competing against the likes of Taylor Stallworth, Andrew Brown, and/or Chris Williams for a potential final roster spot.
The hope is that Woods can be a better version of the Sheldon Day signing last offseason that simply didn’t work out (partially because of injury)—before Stallworth eventually solidified the Colts defense’s 1T depth regardless.
Woods was well liked among Cowboys fans and considered a high character veteran in the team’s locker room. He fits the mold of players that the Colts and GM Chris Ballard typically covet.