According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, teams have begun to monitor the situation with Seattle Seahawks CB Riq Woolen... They view him as a possible trade candidate before the NFL deadline.
The biggest question when these reports come, is whether the Seahawks made this an open topic, or teams are just assuming that Seattle would be open to it. Interestingly enough, some prominent Seahawks reporters are suggesting that Seahawks general manager John Schneider may have put this report out.
The source of this is as much or more interesting than the news of “monitoring.” Where this comes from, and why. https://t.co/lLZ0e5p8Dn
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) September 28, 2025
Other teams are monitoring Seahawks CB Riq Woolen before the trade deadline, per @RapSheet.
— Seattle ON Tap (@SeattleONTap) September 28, 2025
Woolen is on a contract year, and the emergence of Josh Jobe & Derion Kendrick COULD make the Seahawks open to a trade… thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/vSncRDORJb
The question of "who put this report out?" is very valid, I think it is clear the Seahawks may be frustrated with his play. Tariq Woolen has struggled since his rookie season, and this year he has struggled even more than before.
There are multiple reasons the Seahawks could be ready to move on.
- Tariq Woolen is on a contract year, and the Seahawks want to get back a draft pick or two rather than letting him walk in the offseason.
- Devon Witherspoon came back healthy last week.
- Emergence of Josh Jobe & Derion Kendrick, who both have played as good, if not better, than Riq Woolen this season.
With all things considered, Woolen was a 5th round draft pick in 2022 that was converted from a WR to CB in the NFL. He played really well and was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season, while being on a four-year, $3.992 million rookie deal. For the value, it has been worth it with Woolen, but knowing he is due for a contract might be EVEN MORE of a reason to trade him now, more than even his play.
Last thing to consider is that he might just not fit well in Mike Macdonald's system. Macdonald is a defensive guru, he has already transformed this Seahawks defense, so if he is ready to move on, we should all probably trust that decision.