No matter how many players the Philadelphia Eagles lose on defense, as long as there are some pieces there and Vic Fangio is the defensive coordinator, there's always a high percentage chance they are going to be an elite group.
The Eagles added to that stellar unit with their first external signing of the offseason, with former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, as the team finally gets their long, lengthy coverage corner who can be the CB2 on the roster. During his introductory press conference, Woolen was asked about playing in this defense and what he expected, and he knows exactly what he wants to see from the unit.
"Just the players…you got Q, you got Coop…I know that we can be able to play different types of looks…To play with a great front with Carter and JD and some great linebacker play, it's going to be a lot of fun."
Riq Woolen is key piece to this elite Eagles defense
Everything is built up front, with Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis leading the way, with two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Zack Baun right behind them to support. The real stars of this defense, though, are on the back end with All-Pros Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean playing at an elite level after just two seasons in the NFL.
There is some pressure on Woolen to be the missing piece this secondary has needed since the departure of Darius Slay during the 2025 offseason. The Eagles tried and failed to make Adoree' Jackson and Kelee Ringo work there last year.
Eagles fans know that no matter who is coming off the edge, the defensive line is going to be stout with Carter and Davis in the middle. It helps to have young talent in Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, helping out with the new addition, Arnold Ebiketie, who is stepping into some big shoes to replace Jaelan Phillips after signing with the Carolina Panthers.
The linebackers are solid with Baun and Jihaad Campbell starting and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. moving up in the rotation. Despite losing their top blitzing linebacker in Nakobe Dean, the Eagles have the talent and depth at linebacker to be okay there.
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In 2026, all eyes are on Woolen in the secondary to see if he can keep up with the All-Pros and ensure that they don't miss a beat there.