As the Philadelphia Eagles look to the 2026 season, CBS Sports writer Zachary Pereles broke down his best available free agents during this offseason period.
Pereles linked the Eagles to five free agents, with him confidently believing Philadelphia will be making a push for Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen.
"Philadelphia has stars at one outside cornerback spot (Quinyon Mitchell) and the nickel cornerback spot (Cooper DeJean). It would love to add a second strong outside cornerback to that duo, and Woolen would fit the bill as a massive talent that Vic Fangio can get the best out of."
Tariq Woolen predicted to land with Eagles in free agency
Philadelphia seems to have the "next great corner" with 2024 first-round pick Quinyon Mitchell, and their 2024 second-round pick Cooper DeJean at nickel. One massive glaring weakness the Eagles had was whoever was lined up across from Mitchell, as the Eagles often dealt with injuries or subpar play from Adoree' Jackson, Kelee Ringo, and Jakorian Bennett.
The Eagles' need for another competent outside cornerback to be paired with DeJean and Mitchell is a high priority for Philadelphia. The team has been linked to several defensive backs in the first round of the 2026 draft, specifically Avieon Terrell being a projected pick. Terrell's ability to provide elite man-coverage in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's scheme would elevate the play of the Eagles defense "on-paper", a proven asset like Woolen would allow a day one "plug-in play" asset rather than relying on a rookie defender.
Woolen was a 2022 5th-round pick out of UTSA, certainly fitting the mold of the "underdog" mentality bred by the Eagles' defense. He earned Pro Bowl honors in his rookie season by leading the NFL in interceptions (six).
Woolen was once a trade candidate with the Seahawks, but the team opted to retain him as it was in the middle of its playoff push, which ultimately led to its Super Bowl berth. With the team opting not to extend him throughout the season or prior to 2025, it would make sense to assume he will be a free agent come the open signing period.
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At 26, Woolen has a proven track record that gives the Eagles an instant upgrade in their secondary. With Fangio able to squeeze competent play from the trio of Jackson, Bennett, and Ringo, having Woolen play across from DeJean and Mitchell easily elevates the Philadelphia defense while maintaining a youthful core.