The market for former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen evidently was not a hot one. While he isn’t going to re-sign with the Seahawks, he’s not even signing a multi-year contract elsewhere. Nevertheless, Woolen is going to another strong defense in the Philadelphia Eagles.
Given the Eagles had a hard time replacing their Super Bowl winning cornerbacks last season, Woolen alongside Quinyon Mitchell is a definite upgrade over trying to revive Adoree’ Jackson’s career or hope Kelee Ringo is finally a starting caliber corner.
If the Seahawks were interested in keeping Riq then a 1-year, $15 million contract wouldn’t have been outrageous, but through his highs as a rookie in 2022 to some of his lows with lapses in concentration and untimely penalties (not to mention two brief benchings by both Pete Carroll and Mike Macdonald for separate on- and off-field matters), it’s evident that Seattle was ready to move on even though he’s statistically been a great corner.
Woolen is the fourth Seahawks free agent to depart, joining Boye Mafe, Coby Bryant, and Kenneth Walker III. Unless the Seahawks retain Dareke Young, who would be very cheap to retain in theory, the only members of the 2022 draft class who will remain on the Seahawks in 2026 are Charles Cross and Abe Lucas. On the plus side, if you’re going to lose players as free agents, it’s better to have them go for considerable money (and gain draft compensation in return) instead of having to move on because they’re sub-standard.
What’s ironic about this whole situation is the fact that Woolen lost his “starting spot” (while still having a high snap count) to Josh Jobe, whose career began with the Philadelphia Eagles before he was waived in 2024 and picked up by the Seahawks. Jobe just signed a multi-year deal to stay in Seattle, while Riq is the one going to Philly.
Best of luck to Riq in Philadelphia, who will be hosting the Seahawks this upcoming regular season.
