Josh Woods was signed by the Chicago Bears on June 7, 2018 after participating in a veteran mini-camp on a tryout basis. He was cut by the team at the end of training camp but was re-signed to the team's practice squad on September 2, 2018. He spent the entire 2018 season on the practice squad as he continued to transition to linebacker, adding 30 pounds in the process. After a strong showing in preseason, Woods made the Bears 53-man roster going into the 2019 season. In 2021, he was picked up by Detroit where he has worked his way onto the 53-man roster.

Woods made his NFL debut on September 29, 2019 against the Minnesota Vikings, playing 15 snaps on special teams. Woods played in nine games in 2019 and made five total tackles. He carried that into the 2020 NFL season, playing in 15 games and recovering a fumble.