The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a 34–10 Week 8 loss to the Miami Dolphins, dropping their record to 3–4 and placing them third in the NFC South. They’re on a two-game losing streak, having been defeated by the San Francisco 49ers 20–10 in Week 7.
Going into Week 9, the Falcons are ranked No. 2 in total defense (275.6 yards allowed per game), behind the Houston Texans, and 1st in pass defense (149.1 passing yards allowed per game). Although the defense has played well throughout the year, it had a lackluster performance against the Dolphins. It may now be time to upgrade their secondary ahead of the Nov. 4 Trade Deadline.
Falcons’ Potential Move for Pro Bowl Cornerback
The Falcons’ secondary has been a bit banged up this season, with cornerback A.J. Terrell sustaining a hamstring injury in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings that caused him to miss the next two games, but he returned for their victory against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. Defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. has missed the last three games. According to StatMuse, the Falcons’ defensive back group is currently ranked 24th.
With a struggling secondary, the Falcons could potentially make a move for Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl cornerback Riq Woolen. Woolen’s performance has declined since his rookie season in 2022, when he had six interceptions and was a Pro Bowler.
It appears the Seahawks are interested in moving him, with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reporting that multiple league executives consider Woolen a strong trade candidate. Fowler noted that the team has wanted to move him for a while because he doesn’t fit the defensive scheme of coach Mike Macdonald.
The Seahawks, currently 5-2 atop the NFC West, are ranked No. 23 in passing defense, allowing 230.1 passing yards per game and 11 passing touchdowns, which may incentivize them to keep Woolen. Woolen is in the fourth year of his rookie contract and unlikely to be re-signed, making him a rental player for interested teams.
Woolen can be a major upgrade for the Falcons’ secondary, as he remains productive with 19 total tackles and three passes defended this season. Despite some shortcomings in run defense and tackling, Woolen’s unique combination of size and speed offers a valuable coverage skill set.
His trade availability ahead of the Nov. 4th deadline presents an opportunity for the Falcons to shore up their secondary weaknesses with a proven, young cornerback who still has considerable upside.