The Philadelphia Eagles took a swing in free agency when they signed cornerback Riq Woolen to a one-year, $12 million deal. They already have Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the fold, but they needed a CB2 on the outside.
They believe that Woolen can fill that role, but there will be tests that he needs to pass beforehand. ESPN's Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz, and Seth Walder released an article discussing several topics around all 32 teams in the league. In regard to the Eagles, Woolen was listed as the X-factor for Philadelphia.
"He has been benched before and started only seven games (out of 16 played) last season for Seattle. Woolen presents a wide range of outcomes for the Eagles," Walder wrote.
And even though Woolen has already made plays in Eagles practice, he has some tests to pass, especially since the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks let him walk for free.
Eagles' gamble on Riq Woolen could reveal what Seahawks already knew
Throughout his time with the Seahawks, Woolen had ups and downs. He had problems with penalties, amassing 30 flags, including a career-worst nine last year. Woolen even had a massive taunting penalty in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. He also had moments where he bumped heads with the coaching staff.
There are multiple reasons to have doubts about Woolen going into this season, but how he produces on the field will be the ultimate test. In 64 career games (53 starts), Woolen has logged 203 total tackles, 53 pass deflections, and 12 interceptions.
He has finished with 10-plus pass breakups in every campaign thus far, while logging at least one interception as well. All this is without mentioning that Woolen stands at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, and ran a 4.26 40-yard dash.
He has a rare combination of height, speed, and length. Those traits were enticing and likely played a role in the Eagles' decision to bring him in. So far, things have been good, but with training camp slated to start later this month, the intensity will only increase.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio isn't one to play around. And if Woolen has some of the same flaws he did with the Seahawks, Fangio won't hesitate to put him on the bench. No one wants that to take place, but based on his history and Seattle's lack of interest in retaining Woolen, it's something to keep in mind entering the season.
Read more: Ex-Eagles defender returns to NFC East for potential final run in NFL
Woolen has a chance to make this defense hit another gear, but on the other end of the coin, there are some tests he needs to pass in Philadelphia.
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