After the headaches of dealing with cornerbacks Adoree' Jackson and Kelee Ringo last season, the Philadelphia Eagles solved that CB2 problem with former Seattle Seahawks corner Riq Woolen.
Coming off winning a Super Bowl with the Seahawks, Woolen signed a one-year, $12 million prove-it deal with the Eagles to enter the starting lineup. While the young corner has a lot to prove to the league, NFL.com's Eric Edholm acknowledged that Woolen might be lining up for a big contract next offseason if he plays well for the Eagles.
"This feels like the ultimate tipping-point season for the 27-year-old Woolen, who entered the league as an intriguing fifth-rounder and vastly outplayed his draft status early -- but who also more recently has plateaued, allowing his emotions to boil over at times. There’s a strong opportunity to parlay this coming season into a 2027 payday if Woolen performs well. In Philadelphia, there’s a starting job with Woolen’s name on it. And if he can cut down on the penalties and untimely mistakes on what looks like a strong defense, Woolen could be looking at a $20 million-per-year contract in free agency next spring. If not? Woolen could be the next Trevon Diggs, waiting for another shot."
Riq Woolen is going to be playing with a massive contract on the line
Last season with the Seahawks, Woolen allowed just a 54.2% completion percentage and a 75.5 passer rating. He racked up 41 tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, 12 pass deflections, and one interception in 16 regular season games.
The Eagles brought in Woolen as the type of player they were hoping to get out of Ringo, since Woolen stands at 6-foot-4. Despite both corners being tall, Woolen at least shows more consistency with his coverage skills over Ringo, who has been reduced to a stellar special teams gunner.
Last season wasn't perfect for Woolen, and there are concerns about his high number of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties; he also showed he can step up in big moments. He played his best in the postseason, which was a big reason the Seahawks won the Super Bowl last year.
Despite having a cloud hanging over him in the Seahawks secondary last year, Woolen has no competition in Philly, as it will be him, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean as the starting cornerbacks for 2026. There might be other cornerbacks like Jonathan Jones, Mac McWilliams, and Ringo who might be in the conversation for future spots. Woolen is the clear-cut CB2 on the Eagles.
Read more: Eagles' Cooper DeJean proves his worth after ranking ahead of $76.5 million "star"
This secondary is vastly improved from last year and has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL. Woolen could transform this unit and make them Super Bowl contenders if he plays as he did in the postseason. That in turn will lead to a big payday next offseason.
Add us as a preferred source on Google