After a season that ended in a Wild Card loss, the Philadelphia Eagles are looking to make some changes for next season. One of those is bringing in former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen. With the Eagles bringing in the Super Bowl champ, a move that could shake up the NFC, what did the media make of this?
Media Reacts to Philadelphia Eagles Signing Riq Woolen
Up until signing Woolen, the Eagles were very quiet in free agency. As Adam Schefter pointed out, “Tariq Woolen becomes the first outside free agent the Eagles have signed in free agency. Woolen goes from the team that won the Super Bowl to the team that won the Super Bowl the year prior.”
Up until then, free agency had been rough for Philly, as they lost key contributors on the defense. Linebacker Nakobe Dean, safety Reed Blankenship, and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips all went to other teams in free agency.
Philly getting Woolen is a move that many are in favor of. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has a reputation as one of the best in free agency. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky said on X, “There’s Howie.”
There’s Howie https://t.co/frqCZ37rmW
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 10, 2026
Adding onto this, 94WIP Eagles reporters were very excited, as Devan Kaney kept things simple by saying, “analysis: I love it.” Eliot Shorr-Parks stated, “this was a very Eagles move.”
A very Eagles move. They have their CB2 https://t.co/KrBpVvlN1a
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 10, 2026
Woolen heads to Philly with mixed results as a starter. Woolen had an amazing rookie season, recording 6 interceptions and finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2022. After Woolen’s breakout season, in which he made the Pro Bowl, the next year was a bit shaky for Woolen.
Woolen’s interceptions dropped from 6 to 2 in 2023. In 2024 and 2025, Woolen improved under head coach Mike Macdonald, who helped revitalize Seattle’s defense. Also, the Seahawks selected Devon Witherspoon in 2023, who has made the Pro Bowl every season since. Witherspoon’s great play allowed Woolen to become the No. 2 corner.
Despite improved support, Woolen remains inconsistent game to game. This inconsistency is reflected in his week-by-week PFSN CB Impact Metric. In Week 5, Woolen earned a D+ grade and ranked 76th. In his next appearance, Week 7, he received a B grade and ranked ninth.
When Woolen is at his best, he’s a disruptive corner who forces turnovers. However, when he struggles, he allows big plays. Roseman signed Woolen to a one-year deal, which is a good move, as ESPN NFL analyst Benjamin Solak said, “Love the one year prove it deal.”
Wow! Eagles have checked on Woolen via trade before. Love the one year prove it deal playing in this loaded of a secondary for Woolen. https://t.co/jAYX58yRMa
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) March 10, 2026
As Solak stated, Woolen joins a great secondary, one that includes cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Mitchell is one of the best corners in the NFL, ranking 3rd and earning an A- grade in the PFSN CB Impact Metric. There is a chance that Woolen and Mitchell could become a great cornerback tandem.
Woolen was a target for other teams that needed a cornerback, such as the Green Bay Packers. “No Woolen in GB. That might take them out of the running for any sort of significant free agent signing. Not much left that they would likely go after,” Andy Herman, owner of “Pack a Day” Podcast, tweeted.
No Woolen in GB. That might take them out of the running for any sort of significant free agent signing. Not much left that they would likely go after. https://t.co/7JqllcnfzL
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) March 10, 2026
The Packers and Eagles are both top NFC contenders, so Philly signing Woolen is a great move in a tight NFC race. Overall, Woolen to the Eagles could prove to be one of the best moves in free agency if all goes well.
