Seahawks' young star CB receives wild $20 million contract projection

Matt Sullivan

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Seahawks' young star CB receives wild $20 million contract projection image

The Seattle Seahawks are entering the 2026 offseason with a clear hole in their defensive backfield thanks to the looming departures of two young defensive backs.

While Coby Bryant could be replaced in the safety room, so too could star outside cornerback Riq Woolen. But in free agency, Woolen is by far more likely to receive a higher contract.

That's why Austin Gayle of The Ringer's projection for Woolen is higher than Bryant's. But Gayle's projection is a surprising one that could reach as high as $20 million per year for the 26-year-old cornerback.

Seahawks' Riq Woolen gets $20 million contract projection

"The open market could drive his price over $20 million per year," Gayle writes, "especially for man-heavy teams, but the $16 million to $18 million range feels much more appropriate giving some of his weaknesses in zone coverage and his inconsistencies as a tackler."

Seeing Woolen depart in free agency wouldn't be a surprise for the Seahawks. But seeing the young cornerback land a deal around $20 million per season would be an unexpected outcome.

He was a name floating in trade rumors this season at the NFL deadline, and while Seattle didn't end up trading him, he was someone who could've been on the move for the right price, even if it was an expensive one.

For a contending team, considering such a trade highlights just how uncertain the Seahawks were of his play. And yet, this projection from Gayle falls no shorter than $16 million per season.

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While Woolen was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season thanks to six interceptions and one pick-six, Woolen hasn't been as good of late.

This season, while he has started just seven of 16 games, he's recorded one interception, 12 passes defended, 41 tackles, and has allowed a passer rating of 78.1.

He's still a good cornerback, but after mid-season trade rumors, the $20 million contract projection is a surprising one for Woolen.

There's still plenty to like about the young Seahawks cornerback, but after regression from his rookie season, there are some concerns with his game.

He's going to be a hot commodity this offseason, but the $20 million per-year projection from Gayle is a bold one. Even if he lands a deal between $16 and $18 million, it's still a lofty contract for a cornerback who's had some questions thrown his way this season.

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Staff Writer