Cowboys Pursue Seahawks’ Riq Woolen to Strengthen Struggling Secondary
The Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a critical juncture in their pursuit of defensive excellence. The glaring deficiencies in their cornerback unit have become impossible to overlook as the season unfolds. Starters Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, and Kaiir Elam have failed to live up to expectations, leaving the secondary vulnerable. The statistics paint a dire picture, with Dallas surrendering the highest total passing yards in the league—1,189 yards—and an alarming average of 420.5 passing yards per game over the first four weeks of the season.
Urgent Need for Reinforcements
As the Cowboys navigate through the early stages of the season, the urgency to address their cornerback situation intensifies. With limited options available in the trade market, the most promising candidate appears to be Riq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Woolen has caught the attention of several teams as a potential trade target ahead of the November 5 deadline.
“With Seahawks star CB Devon Witherspoon returning on Thursday, teams are monitoring Pro Bowl CB Riq Woolen as a possible trade target by the deadline,” Rapoport noted on X. “Woolen’s playing time has diminished, and in a contract year, teams believe he could be available.”
Woolen’s Current Situation
Woolen’s performance this season has not met the high standards set during his standout rookie year in 2022, when he recorded six interceptions and earned Pro Bowl honors. As he enters the final year of his contract, the Seahawks may consider trading him now rather than risking a loss without compensation in the offseason. Despite a rocky start, the 26-year-old cornerback still possesses the tools to be an effective starter, and a fresh environment could reignite his potential.
A Calculated Risk for the Cowboys
For the Cowboys, the prospect of acquiring Woolen presents a low-risk, high-reward scenario. The former fifth-round draft pick could seamlessly integrate into Mike Zimmer’s defensive scheme, providing the Cowboys with much-needed depth and talent in the secondary. Additionally, Woolen’s potential cost-effectiveness means Dallas would not have to part with significant draft capital, making the move even more enticing.
In a league where elite cornerbacks are hard to come by, adding Woolen could be a strategic play for Brian Schottenheimer’s squad. As the Cowboys look to shore up their defensive backfield, the addition of Woolen could provide a much-needed boost in their quest for a more formidable defensive unit.
Broader NFL Context
As the Cowboys assess their options, they are not alone in facing injury challenges and roster adjustments. Other teams, such as the Baltimore Ravens, are grappling with key injuries to star players like Lamar Jackson, while the New York Giants’ Cam Skattebo is gaining recognition in Pro Football Focus rankings. The Dolphins are also addressing concerns following Tyreek Hill’s knee injury, and the Raiders have emerged as potential trade suitors for former Super Bowl champions.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Cowboys must act decisively to bolster their secondary, and Riq Woolen could be the answer they desperately need.
