Likely to lose starting safety Dashon Goldson, the 49ers are bringing in possible replacements, including longtime Raiders and Packers defensive back Charles Woodson, who will visit Wednesday, his agent said. The 15-year veteran will turn 37 in October, and he missed half the 2012 season with a broken collarbone.
However, he played well in the games in which he appeared. He had five tackles, 1 ½ sacks and a forced fumble in a Week 1 loss to the 49ers. Overall in his career -- he mostly played cornerback -- Woodson has 55 interceptions, 11 of which he returned for touchdowns. He was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2009.
The 49ers also have shown interest in Jets free agent LaRon Landry, who is similar in size and aggressiveness to Goldson. The Buccaneers reportedly sent a private plane to California to pick up Goldson. It would be a surprise at this point if he returns to the 49ers, who have been reluctant to give him a long-term deal for the past three offseasons.
Woodson has a couple of significant connections on the 49ers. A University of Michigan product, he's hosted an annual golf tournament in Ann Arbor, Mich. with Jim Harbaugh. he's also close to 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers. A source close to Woodson on Tuesday said the defensive back is eyeing several would-be playoff teams and hopes the 49ers "step up" as far as a contract offer. He said Woodson wants to play with a contender in 2013.
Woodson played the first eight years of his career with the Raiders, who hold their training camp in Napa. He has a winery, 24 Wines, that's 2 1/2 miles south of Calistoga.
-- Matt Barrows
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