The New England Patriots have made a shrewd move in signing former Cal safety Craig Woodson to a four-year, $5.2 million contract, a deal that could prove to be a steal as they continue to craft a formidable defensive unit. Selected as the 106th overall pick in the fourth round of the NFL draft, Woodson’s contract, valued at $5,266,444 according to Spotrac, reflects the structured pay scale for incoming rookies. With no room for negotiation, his rookie season will see him earn $1.1 million, comprising an $840,000 base salary and a signing bonus of just over $266,000. By the final year of his contract, assuming he remains with the team, Woodson’s earnings are projected to rise to $1.5 million.
While the dollar amount may seem modest by NFL standards, Woodson’s addition to the Patriots’ roster is anything but insignificant. The former Cal standout, a three-year starter known for his versatility, is poised to make an immediate impact. His ability to adapt to multiple roles in the secondary—whether as a free safety, strong safety, or even in hybrid coverage schemes—makes him a valuable asset in a defense that thrives on flexibility and deception.
Veteran Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers recently praised Woodson’s quick adaptation to the NFL, noting, “I like him. Smart. Savvy. He’s done a great job soaking up what the coaches want him to do. Different techniques. College ball is a little different than the league, especially the Pac-12. He’s definitely doing a good job, though.” This endorsement from a seasoned player underscores Woodson’s potential to contribute early and often.
The Patriots’ defense, already a hallmark of their strategic identity under head coach Bill Belichick’s influence, is quietly evolving into a unit that could catch opponents off guard. Woodson’s arrival complements a secondary that emphasizes intelligence, physicality, and adaptability. His college tape at Cal showcased his knack for reading quarterbacks, breaking on passes, and delivering hard-hitting tackles, qualities that align perfectly with New England’s defensive philosophy.
Woodson played four games in each of his first two seasons at Cal, and then a knee injury wiped out his 2021 campaign. He seized the opportunity to become a starter in 2022 and never looked back. Woodson was a starter his last three seasons for the Golden Bears, and he finished the 2024 season with 45 solo tackles, two interceptions and a career-high nine pass breakups in 13 games.
Perry interviewed Woodson’s head coach at Cal, Justin Wilcox, to learn more about the Patriots’ fourth-round pick.
“There are a lot of talented guys out there, but not everyone puts in the same amount of time,” Wilcox told Perry on Next Pats. “Knowing Craig for six years now, he’s someone who’s extremely serious about football. He makes decisions 24/7 on what’s best for his football career.
“He’s extremely coachable, and he improved each year he was here (at Cal). That’s ultimately why he got drafted and has an opportunity to embark on a pro football career. He’s very coachable and serious about the game. He has traits — he’s a good athlete, he plays the ball very well. I remember his freshman year at fall camp, it was like every day he was making a play on the ball.”
At just 22 years old, Woodson represents the kind of high-upside, cost-effective talent that allows the Patriots to maintain their competitive edge without breaking the bank. His $5.2 million deal is a testament to the team’s ability to find value in the draft, turning mid-round picks into cornerstone players. If Woodson secures a spot on the regular-season roster—a likelihood given his strong early impressions—he could be the latest piece in a defensive puzzle designed to frustrate even the most potent NFL offenses.
Opponents preparing to face the Patriots in 2025 should take note: with players like Woodson joining an already stingy defense, New England is building a unit that’s as smart as it is relentless. The $5.2 million investment in Woodson may just be the steal of the draft, setting the stage for a defensive nightmare that opponents won’t see coming.