Why Seahawks are expected to let Riq Woolen walk in free agency

News Correspondent
Why Seahawks are expected to let Riq Woolen walk in free agency image

The Seattle Seahawks have had one of the best defenses in the league during the first half of the 2025 NFL season.

While the pass rush group has been a huge reason why, so too has been the secondary.

Josh Jobe, Devon Witherspoon, Nick Emmanwori, Coby Brant, Ty Okada and Riq Woolen have led a very strong secondary. Julian Love is on injured reserve, but when he's active, he's an elite safety.

But this offseason, the Seahawks are likely to let Woolen walk. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler revealed why, and it's for a clear reason.

Why Seahawks are likely to let Riq Woolen leave in free agency

"Expect Woolen to hit be available in free agency as opposed to re-signing with Seattle," Fowler reports, "which hasn't been a scheme fit for him under coach Mike Macdonald. But for teams that need man coverage help, he has tremendous upside."

While the Pro Bowl cornerback hasn't been as impactful as he once was, Woolen is still a player many teams would love to have, as seen by the trade rumors before the NFL deadline. But with Seattle eyeing a Super Bowl run, there was little reason to move on from Woolen, especially if they can land a compensatory pick if he departs this offseason.

MORE: Seahawks canceled Boye Mafe trade with Chiefs at last second

Woolen has 11 interceptions in his NFL career, but none have come in 2025. He does have six passes defended this season, reaching 47 on his career through four seasons.

Very few cornerbacks would be so appealing in free agency, especially, as Fowler suggests, for teams in man coverage schemes.

Seattle is expected to let Woolen walk in free agency, as they can land a compensatory pick for a player that doesn't fit the defensive scheme.

"Woolen's elite traits and Pro Bowl talent should create a strong market." Fowler writes.

The Seahawks' cornerback is heading towards free agency with a high likelihood that he'll sign elsewhere after four years in Seattle. The 5th-rounder has been a steal, and will now hit the open market with the expectation there will be a lot of interest.

More Seahawks news:

Editorial Team