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| June 13, 1998 Will Woolford Be The Answer? With the uncertain status of DB Tebucky Jones inury, the Patriots are forced to seek veteran help. That veteran help may come in the form of former Steelers CD Donnell Woolford. Last season, the Patriots aquired veteran and pro bowl player Henry Thomas to help the defensive line.The Patriots will likely aquire DB Donnell Woolford, along with a
Woolford, 32, was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers in a salary cap move June 1. The Steelers saved $850,000 on their salary cap number and the $1.15 million Woolford was due to earn in 1998. Coach Pete Carroll said, "We're just trying to keep our options open. If we see a player out there we feel could fit into our system, we'll consider him." Woolford, an All-Pro with the Chicago Bears, signed a multiyear deal worth $5.85 million with the Steelers last spring after Rod Woodson left Pittsburgh as a free agent. Woolford lost playing time when the Steelers moved strong safety Carnell Lake to his left cornerback spot. Woolford, who didn't play well in the man-to-man coverage, eventually was replaced full time by Lake. This could hurt his chances with the Patriots because the Patriots we're molding Tebucky Jones to play mainly man-to-man coverage at his right cornerback spot. The Patriots feel that they need some protection at the right corner spot because of Tebucky Jones's recent left hamstring pull and Steve Israel's uncertain status after offseason knee surgery. If the Patriots elect not to sign anyone to help, the spot is available to unexperienced players like Chris Canty, Mark Tate, Terry Billups, and Kato Serwanga. Pete Carroll obviously does not want to do that. If Tebucky Jones' injury heals quickly, the Patriots will likely dismiss the possibility of signing a veteran cornerback. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Woolford spent eight years with the Bears. He has 36 career interceptions, four times leading the Bears in pickoffs. Despite losing his job, Woolford picked off four passes and returned them 91 yards last season. He was also fifth on the Steelers in tackles with 44. After playing at Clemson, where he was the nation's top punt returner, Woolford was the 11th player taken in the 1989 draft. At Clemson, he was a first-team All-American and a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the premier defensive back in college football. MORE PATRIOTS NEWS: Individual game tickets for the 1998 season go on sale today (6/13/98) through Ticketmaster (617-931-2222) and at the Foxboro Stadium ticket office starting at 10 a.m. |
