By Blessing 
The Seattle Seahawks find themselves in a tight NFC West race, sitting in a three-way tie for first place alongside the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. With a solid 4-2 start, the Seahawks are expected to be active as the trade deadline approaches—possibly both buying and selling depending on their long-term outlook.
One player who could be on the move is cornerback Tariq Woolen, a 2022 draft pick whose role has recently diminished in Seattle. Woolen is in the final year of his rookie contract and, according to recent reports, may no longer be viewed as a key piece of the team’s future.
In Kristopher Knox’s “NFL Trade Block Big Board” entering Week 7, Woolen was listed among the top players who could be dealt before the deadline.
> “The 2022 fifth-round pick has been rumored to be a trade candidate since September,” wrote Knox.
“Woolen is an impending free agent and missed Week 6 with a concussion. However, he’s also a starter who should interest just about any team with a need for help in the secondary.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport echoed that sentiment last month, noting the corner’s reduced role.
> “Woolen’s playing time has diminished, and in a contract year, teams believe he could be available,” Rapoport reported.
According to Knox’s projections, Seattle could receive a 2026 third-round pick in return for the former Pro Bowler. One potential landing spot that makes perfect sense? The Detroit Lions.
Detroit’s secondary has been hit hard by injuries, with starters D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold both expected to miss significant time. Woolen could immediately step in to stabilize the defense and, beyond this season, become a long-term fixture in Detroit’s secondary.