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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 18: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a pass against Riq Woolen #27 and Devon Witherspoon #21 of the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles still have questions to answer in their secondary, and a new prediction has them targeting one of the most polarizing cornerbacks set to hit the market.

CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin recently suggested the Eagles should pursue Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen in free agency. Dubin pointed directly to Philadelphia’s lingering need opposite rookie standout Quinyon Mitchell.

The #Eagles should target CB Tariq Woolen in free agency, CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin writes.

“The Eagles’ second cornerback spot across from Quinyon Mitchell this year was a weak spot, and they could target an upgrade here…”

Woolen’s @spotrac market value: 1-year, $8.19M.

“The Eagles’ second cornerback spot across from Quinyon Mitchell this year was a weak spot, and they could target an upgrade here,” Dubin wrote.

That idea gained more traction when analyst Zachary Pereles went a step further, predicting Woolen could ultimately land in Philadelphia.

“Philadelphia has stars at one outside cornerback spot (Quinyon Mitchell) and the nickel cornerback spot (Cooper DeJean),” Pereles writes. “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.”

Spotrac projects Woolen’s market value at roughly one year and $8.19 million. That is a manageable price the Eagles could justify if they believe he can help solidify their secondary.

Seahawks Predicted to Lose Woolen to Eagles

Seeing Woolen leave Seattle would not necessarily come as a shock.

The Seahawks have multiple roster needs to address and could look to go younger or cheaper at cornerback rather than committing meaningful cap space to a player who has been inconsistent at times.

While Woolen’s athletic profile remains elite, his performance has fluctuated since his Pro Bowl rookie campaign.

That inconsistency was on display at times late in the season, including moments during the NFC Championship when coverage lapses proved costly.

That volatility may make Woolen expendable.

From Philadelphia’s perspective, though, that same volatility represents opportunity.

Vic Fangio has a long track record of maximizing long, physical outside corners in his scheme. Woolen’s size and speed combination is rare, and pairing him with Mitchell and DeJean would give the Eagles one of the most physically imposing young secondaries in the NFL.

High Ceiling, High Risk Addition for Eagles

Woolen is very polarizing.

When he’s at his best, he looks like a Pro Bowl-caliber lockdown defender capable of erasing vertical threats and flipping games with takeaways. His length disrupts at the catch point, and his recovery speed allows him to take aggressive angles other corners cannot.

But the floor has also shown up.

Technique lapses and inconsistent ball tracking have led to big plays surrendered in high-leverage moments. For a contender like Philly, that risk cannot be ignored.

But the upside is difficult to pass on.

If the price truly lands around a short-term prove-it deal in the $8 million range, the Eagles could justify the gamble.

In Fangio’s system, where the defensive front creates steady pressure, Woolen would not have to cover for long stretches on his own.

It may be the perfect fit.

Seattle may decide it has bigger priorities. If that happens, Philadelphia could be ready to take a chance on his potential.

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