Sometimes in the NFL, a fresh start is all it takes to reignite a once-promising career. That's exactly what former Chargers safety JT Woods is hoping for as he participates in the New Orleans Saints rookie minicamp this weekend, running from Thursday, May 7 through Saturday, May 9.
Woods, a third-round pick (79th overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, was originally selected by the Los Angeles Chargers when Brandon Staley was the head coach. Now, Staley serves as the Saints' defensive coordinator—creating a unique reunion that could be the perfect opportunity for Woods to get his career back on track.
For those who remember his collegiate days at Baylor, Woods was a ball-hawking playmaker. As a junior in 2020, he posted 3 interceptions and 46 tackles in just nine games. He elevated his game even further in 2021, leading the entire NCAA with 6 interceptions while adding 4.5 tackles for loss and 57 total stops. Over those two seasons, Woods averaged an incredible 22.3 yards per return on his 9 interceptions—highlighting his ability to turn defense into instant offense.
Unfortunately, that big-play magic hasn't translated to the NFL just yet. Woods appeared in 10 games as a rookie, making just one start and recording only three tackles while playing just 5% of the team's defensive snaps (31 total). By early in the 2023 season, he landed on the non-football injury list and appeared in just three games with minimal impact—his last regular-season action to date. The Chargers released him at the end of the 2024 preseason, and he has since bounced around on preseason and practice squad rosters.
Woods isn't the only veteran looking for a second chance at this camp. The Saints also invited kicker Younghoe Koo, quarterback Easton Stick, and quarterback Kyle Trask to try out alongside undrafted free agents and 2026 draft picks.
New Orleans already has a solid safety trio in Julian Blackmon, Justin Reid, and Jonas Sanker. But behind them, Jordan Howden and Terrell Burgess haven't exactly inspired confidence. Interestingly, Burgess also played under Staley with the Rams in 2020—meaning both he and Woods share that connection. If Woods can recapture even a fraction of his college form, he could provide the depth and playmaking the Saints need.