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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 01: Riq Woolen #27 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates after a turnover on downs by the New York Jets in the fourth quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium on December 01, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles could be eyeing a major upgrade at cornerback this offseason, with multiple insiders connecting the team to Seattle Seahawks star Tariq Woolen.

A Super Bowl-winning defender set to hit free agency, Woolen fits Philadelphia’s preferred defensive profile.

The Eagles are expected to be active in the cornerback market as they look to solidify the secondary opposite standout Quinyon Mitchell.

With Cooper DeJean locked in as the primary slot corner, the Eagles’ No. 2 outside corner spot has remained a significant issue.

Adoree’ Jackson struggled for much of the season, leaving the position as a clear weakness.

While Philadelphia explored options during the 2025 season, including trade inquiries, the offseason now presents a clearer path to address the position.

In recent free-agency predictions, FanSided’s Cris Landers and Sports Illustrated Patrick McAvoy connected Woolen to Philadelphia.

They cited both need and organizational fit.

“Woolen can have a maddening lack of discipline at times, but he is fierce, fast and physical on the outside,” Landers wrote.

“The upside here is through the roof, which makes him feel like a perfect fit for the Eagles.”

Tariq Woolen Emerges as Philadelphia Eagles Option

Philadelphia’s interest in Woolen isn’t new.

Reports during the 2025 season indicated the Eagles explored the trade market for the former Pro Bowler before the deadline.

However, Seattle ultimately held onto him as it pushed toward a Super Bowl run.

Now, Woolen is approaching free agency at just 26 years old, bringing rare size and speed to the market.

The 6-foot-4 cornerback ran a 4.26 forty-yard dash coming out of UTSA.

Woolen has been one of the league’s most physically gifted defensive backs since entering the NFL as a fifth-round pick in 2022.

Across four seasons, Woolen has recorded 12 interceptions and held opposing quarterbacks to a 54.2% completion rate.

Even during a more uneven 2025 season, he still graded well.

Woolen posted an 81.7 CB Impact Score, ranking inside the league’s top 30 at the position.

Landers described the potential move as a natural fit for the Eagles.

“It’s a front office that prides itself on maximizing big-time athletes while also addressing a clear need at CB2 opposite Quinyon Mitchell.”

How Woolen Fits Vic Fangio’s Eagles Defense

The fit with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is where the discussion becomes more nuanced.

Woolen thrived earlier in his career in press-man and Cover 3 looks, using his length to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage.

However, Fangio’s system places a premium on discipline, eye control, and situational awareness.

These are all areas where Woolen has drawn occasional criticism.

That said, Fangio has a track record of maximizing physically elite defenders when roles are clearly defined.

Pairing Woolen with Mitchell would give Philadelphia two long, athletic corners capable of matching up with the NFC’s bigger receivers.

The move would ultimately come down to price.

Seattle could still attempt to retain Woolen.

But if he does reach the open market, the Eagles are expected to be among the teams monitoring closely.

For a defense looking to take the next step, Woolen represents the type of calculated swing Philadelphia may take.

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