‘Where there’s smoke, there’s fire…’ Pro Bowl CB Riq Woolen tipped as shock trade target with playing time diminished in Seattle… and Eagles fans are left wondering if Howie Roseman will make a deadline move… - suong
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.
‘He’s probably the best player I’ve ever played against…’ Caleb Williams makes shock confession after Bears edge Raiders 25-24 in heartbreaking finish – as emotional Maxx Crosby admits ‘it freaking hurts, I hate losing’ - suong
Las Vegas Raiders‘ Maxx Crosby did everything he could to make Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams uncomfortable. Moreover, the star pass rusher even secured an interception as part of his efforts.
Nonetheless, the Raiders fell short of a win in a disappointing game, losing 25-24 to the Bears on September 28 at Allegiant Stadium after a blocked field goal sealed their fate.
Despite escaping Las Vegas with a win, Williams shared his respect for Crosby. Additionally, the Bears star noted where he puts the Raiders standout in terms of the pass rushers he’s faced in his career.
“I think the guys did a great job to be honest,” Williams said speaking to the media after the Bears win. “They got a hell of a player over there. He’s probably the best player that I’ve ever played against so far in my career. As I said, they got a hell of a player. Understanding that
“I think I can do a better job of that early in the game, getting everybody in rhythm. That’s a part of it, but at the end of the day, that’s what happened. We got some guys in there that, it’s their first time playing and suiting up, especially versus a guy like that, and they did a hell of a job. I’m proud of the guys, especially the way we fought. That’s all you can ask for at the end of the day.”
Maxx Crosby Reacts to Raiders’ Loss to Bears
Even with veteran Geno Smith struggling, the Raiders’ defense kept them in it, with Crosby leading the charge and constantly disrupting the Bears’ offense. Still, his impact wasn’t enough to secure a win, and he was visibly emotional afterward.
“We’re really close,” Crosby said after the loss to the Bears (h/t Vegas Sports Today). “We’re right there, came on the last play. We got to find a way to not make it so hard on ourselves. You know what I mean? It’s the only thing we can do. Freaking hurts, it sucks. I hate losing. Everybody in this locker room is losing, so we got to just find ways to win.”
Raiders Star Maxx Crosby Issues Self-Criticism
Las Vegas gave the ball away four times—three interceptions and a lost fumble—while Chicago had just one interception. That’s why Crosby is putting the blame on
“I work on trying to take the ball away every single day,” Crosby added. “It’s literally what I do all year round. I know a couple of them have been taken away this year for me for some weird reason, but finally getting one was good. I could have had a couple more today as well. Always room to improve and definitely going to keep working on improving.”
Las Vegas opened the season with a Week 1 victory, but things have unraveled since then with three straight losses. Now sitting at 1-3, they hit the road to take on an Indianapolis Colts squad that is also looking to rebound after a Week 4 defeat. Both sides will be hungry to get back on track.
