By Moses Joshua 
Could Riq Woolen’s departure reshape the NFC playoff race before the trade deadline?
The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, and while the Seattle Seahawks don’t appear to be a traditional seller with their 5-2 record, there’s growing buzz that one of their defensive cornerstones could be on the move. According to multiple reports, cornerback Riq Woolen has drawn significant league-wide interest — and three NFC contenders may already be circling.
A Pro Bowl Talent on the Move?
Trade rumors surrounding Woolen first surfaced last month when NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport hinted that the Seahawks might be open to dealing the standout corner. Now, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has reignited that speculation, reporting that executives around the league “have Woolen earmarked as a strong trade candidate leading into the deadline.”
“They’ve been wanting to move him for a while,” one executive told Fowler. “He doesn’t fit what [Mike Macdonald] wants to do.”
The issue seems to stem from scheme fit rather than performance. Head coach Mike Macdonald, who brought his defensive philosophy from Baltimore, prefers a different style of corner play. Woolen, a lengthy 6-foot-4 athlete known for his elite speed and man-coverage skills, may simply not be the perfect match for Seattle’s evolving system.
Despite what some have called a “down year,” Woolen’s numbers remain solid — allowing just 57.1% completions and a 91.8 passer rating in coverage. His upside, youth, and athletic traits make him one of the most intriguing names ahead of the November 4 trade deadline.
Why the Lions, Cowboys, and Eagles Make Perfect Sense
Three NFC powerhouses — Detroit, Dallas, and Philadelphia — have been identified as the most logical landing spots for Woolen, each facing its own secondary struggles.
Detroit Lions:
The Lions’ secondary has been decimated by injuries. Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, and Avonte Maddox are all banged up, forcing Detroit to dig deep into its cornerback rotation. Adding Woolen would immediately stabilize the unit and pair him with a high-energy defense built around Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph. For a franchise chasing NFC supremacy, this could be the missing piece.
Dallas Cowboys:
The Cowboys entered 2025 with lofty defensive expectations, but inconsistency at corner has been a sore spot. With Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland battling injuries and Kaiir Elam underperforming, Woolen could step in as a day-one starter. His size and press coverage ability align perfectly with Dan Quinn’s aggressive defensive blueprint.
Philadelphia Eagles:
The Eagles’ secondary woes are well-documented. While Quinyon Mitchell has shown flashes of brilliance, the opposite corner spot remains vulnerable. Injuries to Kelee Ringo, Adoree’ Jackson, and Jakorian Bennett have exposed a glaring need. Woolen’s experience and athleticism could offer the stability Philadelphia’s back end desperately needs.
The Contract Factor
At just 26 years old, Woolen is still entering his prime — but any team that acquires him will need to plan for a contract extension. The former fifth-round pick is in the final year of his rookie deal, and his next contract could command top-tier cornerback money.
Still, that’s a price teams like Detroit, Dallas, or Philadelphia might be willing to pay for a player with All-Pro potential who could elevate their defenses for years to come.
The Bottom Line
If the Seahawks decide to move on, Riq Woolen’s trade could send shockwaves across the NFC. He’s young, battle-tested, and hungry for a system that fits his elite skill set.
Whether he lands in Detroit, Dallas, or Philadelphia, one thing is certain — whoever wins the Woolen sweepstakes instantly upgrades their Super Bowl credentials.