A lot of Philadelphia Eagles fans have been completely underwhelmed about the team's first week of free agency, but they were all excited about signing cornerback Riq Woolen.
As the team's first official external signing, Woolen and the Eagles agreed to a one-year, $15 million contract. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter went on 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia to appear on his weekly segment as he shared his thoughts on how Woolen benefits from the contract with the Eagles.
“That’s the smart play by Tariq Woolen, because if you’re not getting the type of long-term deal in free agency with the money you want. Then you go take a one-year deal with an organization where you feel like you can shine. He set himself up with Philadelphia, with a good payday, a good [one-year] contract. If he comes in and plays the way he is capable, a year from now he [could] sign a four-year $90 million contract. That’s the goal, he’s got a lot on the line, he’s got a lot of motivation. He’s in the right system, with the right coach, and I think it is going to work out well”.
Adam Schefter approves Riq Woolen going to the Eagles
Last season, Woolen racked up 41 tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, 12 pass deflections, and one interception in 16 games with the Seattle Seahawks. He played a critical role in the Seahawks' Super Bowl win in their secondary.
Philly is the perfect situation for the Eagles as they have been looking for a length corner who can cover with the top half of the cornerbacks in the NFL. The Eagles wanted that out of Kelee Ringo, but never got it.
Woolen needed a fresh start, as things were shaky at the end for him and the Seahawks, with him losing playing time. There were some inconsistent performances from him, but he can still play with the best of them.
The best part for Woolen is that the defense in Philly is in such good shape. He's going to develop with a top-five coach in Vic Fangio and get to be in the same secondary as All-Pros Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
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Philly is about to become one of the best secondaries in the NFL with DeJean, Mitchell, and now Woolen in the picture. This deal was a win-win for both sides.