Matt Hasselbeck's Honest Take on Why the Seahawks Let Riq Woolen Walk

The Seahawks are rebuilding. Several key players left in free agency this offseason, and with the draft coming up, Seattle has a chance to inject young talent back into the lineup. But here's the thing that's got everyone talking: cornerback Riq Woolen signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, and according to former Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck, that move might not sting as much as people think it should.

Speaking on Seattle Sports on April 20, Hasselbeck was refreshingly direct about the whole situation. "I never really thought he was going to be back," he said. "I just never really felt like it was the right fit."

The Real Reason Behind the Split

Here's where it gets interesting. Nationally, people are losing their minds about what Woolen brings to the Eagles. The measurables are elite. The potential is obvious. But Hasselbeck isn't buying the hype around how big of a loss this is for Seattle. He's pointing to something deeper than stats and film.

"There's something about the identity and DNA of what your team is all about," Hasselbeck explained. "Whether that's coachability, what it's like in the locker room, or what it is. It's not like I'm throwing shade at him at all, but sometimes it's just not the perfect fit, whether it's grit or whatever it is."

That's real talk from someone who's been in the building. It's not always about talent alone. Sometimes fit matters more than the highlight reel.

Kenneth Walker III is the Real Priority

While Woolen might be replaceable in Hasselbeck's eyes, the same can't be said for running back Kenneth Walker III. That's where the urgency lies. Zach Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL and missed the start of the 2026 season, leaving a massive hole in the backfield.

Seattle Sports' Mike Salk thinks he knows the answer: the Seahawks should use the No. 32 pick on former Notre Dame star Jadarian Price. "It is pick No. 32, not pick No. 16," Salk said in an April 19 video. "When you say it is a first-round pick, it is, but it is very close to the second round, especially in what is generally considered a weak draft."

Salk argues this year is different because there are only two starter-quality running backs in this class who can change games. If Price is available at 32, Salk believes Seattle needs to pull the trigger. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer echoed similar sentiments, suggesting Price could sneak into the bottom of Round 1 because teams needing a running back might view him as their last chance at a ready-made starter.

The draft is coming. The Seahawks have work to do. That's the real story here.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.