The Philadelphia Eagles spent the offseason retooling their secondary, but a month into the season, injuries and inconsistency have turned it into a weekly puzzle defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has to solve.
Behind Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, the depth chart is a mashup of young players still learning on the fly and veterans who have yet to break through. With Adoree’ Jackson banged up and Jakorian Bennett on IR, Kelee Ringo has been getting more snaps, but there’s no doubt Philly could use some depth at CB.
That’s why Seattle’s Riq Woolen — a 6-foot-4 corner with freakish speed and ball skills — should absolutely be on Philly’s radar as the trade deadline creeps closer.
“With #Seahawks star CB Devon Witherspoon returning on Thursday, teams are monitoring Pro Bowl CB Riq Woolen as a possible trade target by the deadline,” Ian Rapoport wrote on X on September 28. “Woolen’s playing time has diminished, and in a contract year, teams believe he could be available.”
A Closer Look at Woolen’s Game
Woolen turned heads at the 2022 NFL Combine with a blazing 4.26-second 40-yard dash — rare speed for someone his size. Drafted by Seattle in the fifth round that spring, the converted UTSA wide receiver immediately carved out a starting job in the secondary.
As a rookie in 2022, Woolen started all 17 games, racking up 63 tackles (46 solo), 16 passes defended and six interceptions — one returned for a touchdown — tying for the league lead in picks. He also returned a blocked punt for a score that year.
The breakout earned him a Pro Bowl nod and PFWA All-Rookie honors while helping Seattle reach the playoffs. He followed up in 2023 with 16 games (15 starts), posting 53 tackles, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions along with a pair of fumble recoveries.
In 2024, Woolen remained a fixture, starting 14 times in 15 appearances and adding 46 tackles, 14 passes defended, three interceptions and a forced fumble.
Now in his second season leading the Seahawks, head coach Mile Macdonald and his staff have no loyalty to Woolen, which could make him an odd man out very soon.
Should the Philadelphia Eagles try to Trade for Seahawks CB Riq Woolen?
GettyShould the Philadelphia Eagles try to trade for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen?
Pairing Woolen with Mitchell would let Fangio lean into more press-match concepts while freeing DeJean to move between nickel, safety, and pressure looks. That flexibility disappears when depth pieces like Ringo are forced into every-down duty. Adding Woolen would restore balance and keep the Eagles’ scheme as multiple as Fangio likes it.
Financially, it’s also doable. Woolen carries a modest 2025 cap hit around $5.4 million — a number the Eagles can absorb easily. The young DB is also entering a contract year, so GM Howie Roseman could treat the final stretch as a test drive: if Woolen thrives, Philly could extend him before free agency; if not, they can let him walk.
So, what might it take to trade for Woolen? A Day 3 pick with a conditional sweetener tied to playing time or interceptions might be enough.
It remains to be seen whether the Seahawks will move him, but usually, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. We’ll see if Roseman is interested in bringing him aboard.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Pro Bowl CB Rumored to Be on Trade Block, Eagles Could Show Interest: Report appeared first on Heavy Sports.