Eagles Sign CB Riq Woolen to $15 Million Deal Following Super Bowl LX Title

Cornerback Riq Woolen joins the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year, $15 million contract after recording 12 interceptions since 2022.

Free agent cornerback Riq Woolen reached an agreement Tuesday on a one-year contract worth up to $15 million with the Philadelphia Eagles. Agent Jason Chayut confirmed the deal to ESPN, marking Woolen as the first outside free agent to join the team since the negotiating window opened Monday. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound defender arrives in Philadelphia after helping the Seattle Seahawks secure a victory in Super Bowl LX. During his tenure in the league, which began as a fifth-round selection in 2022, Woolen has accumulated 41 pass breakups, tying for the most among all NFL defenders in that span. His 12 career interceptions rank fourth among all cornerbacks since his debut season.

Woolen, 26, is expected to compete for a starting role opposite Quinyon Mitchell. He departs a Seahawks roster that has seen several key contributors exit during this free agency cycle, including Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, defensive end Boye Mafe, and defensive back Coby Bryant. Despite being the No. 151 overall pick out of the University of Texas at San Antonio, Woolen earned a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie. During that 2022 campaign, he tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions and recorded one defensive touchdown. His physical profile remains elite, highlighted by a 4.26-second 40-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical jump recorded at the scouting combine.

Statistical Performance and Coverage Metrics

In 2024, Woolen finished the season with a 78.7 passer rating against when targeted as the nearest defender. This metric ranked him 16th among 77 qualified defenders who logged at least 500 coverage snaps, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. However, his performance was characterized by significant fluctuations. Throughout the first six weeks of the season, he struggled with a 116.3 passer rating against, which ranked 82nd in the league. He successfully corrected his trajectory over the final 12 weeks, posting a 57.2 rating that ranked sixth-best in the NFL during that period.

Woolen’s transition to the professional level followed a collegiate career where he played only two full seasons at cornerback. He originally began his time at UTSA as a wide receiver before moving to the defensive side of the ball. This background as a project pick did not prevent him from winning a starting job immediately out of his first training camp. While he served as the No. 3 corner for the majority of Seattle's recent championship run, his ball-hawking abilities have remained a primary feature of his playstyle.

Impact of Late-Game Mistakes and Discipline

Despite his high ceiling, Woolen dealt with inconsistency and disciplinary issues during his final year in Seattle. He was benched for the opening drive of a December game against the Minnesota Vikings following an undisclosed violation of team rules. That contest ended in a loss for the Seahawks, punctuated by Woolen surrendering the decisive touchdown late in the game. Similar struggles occurred during the 2025 season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. In that matchup, Woolen misplayed two critical throws on the 49ers' game-winning drive, including a 45-yard sideline completion and the final touchdown in the end zone.

These lapses led to Woolen losing his position as the No. 2 cornerback to Josh Jobe. Despite the demotion, Woolen eventually finished the season with nearly the same snap count as Jobe due to his late-season resurgence. The Eagles are betting on his elite size and speed blend to stabilize their secondary. By adding a player with 12 interceptions over three seasons, Philadelphia gains a defender who has proven capable of leading the league in takeaways when playing at his peak form.

Roster Transition and Defensive Outlook

The move to the Eagles represents a significant shift for the Philadelphia secondary, which looks to integrate Woolen’s 4.26 speed into their defensive scheme. Having played as both a primary starter and a rotational piece in Seattle, Woolen provides the Eagles with a veteran who has experience in high-stakes postseason environments. His ability to disrupt passing lanes is evidenced by his league-leading pass breakup totals since 2022. As the Eagles continue their free agency period, Woolen stands as a central addition to a unit seeking to replicate the defensive production that helped him earn a championship ring with the Seahawks.