Riq Woolen was the missing piece in the Eagles’ secondary
· Yahoo Sports
The Eagles made an unexpected splash ahead of the official start of free agency and came to an agreement with free agent cornerback Tariq Woolen on a one-year deal worth “up to” $15 million. He knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl, and will be able to keep that mentality in Philadelphia.
Immediate reactions to the move were excitement and appreciation for what he’ll add to the cornerback room alongside Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. The group instantly becomes one of the “stickiest” in the league, and should compensate for any drop off from losing guys like Jaelan Phillips and Nakobe Dean.
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Even former Eagles captain Darius Slay was supportive of the move.
Great move!!! https://t.co/RGB3U7vyk2
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 10, 2026
Here’s what reporters and insiders from around the league were saying about this signing by Howie Roseman and Co. and how Woolen will fit into the Eagles’ secondary:
Riq Woolen allowed just 0.5 yards per coverage snap in man coverage last season, the fewest among outside cornerbacks.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 10, 2026
Woolen also forced a 31.3% completion rate playing man in 2025, the lowest among players at his position.@Eagles | #FlyEaglesFlyhttps://t.co/ivWpUYdzK7pic.twitter.com/RkVAXIImrp
2022-2025 coverage snaps at outside corner per NFL Pro. Not sure where this narrative is coming from. Only one player has played more outside snaps than Woolen over this time. He has the best yards allowed per coverage snap among players who have at least 1/4th of his cov. snaps https://t.co/Fi9qxJIBYypic.twitter.com/fkPdsq12CU
— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) March 10, 2026
#Eagles' signing of CB Tariq Woolen to a one-year contract with a maximum value of $15M seems to qualify as a "show-me" deal.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 10, 2026
Woolen, a former fifth-round draft pick, lost snaps on the outside to former Eagle Josh Jobe in Seattle's secondary, and eventually his spot when a…
I thought the Eagles' splash would be at pass rush. Also didn't think Woolen wouldn't be lingering and available on a one-year deal.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) March 10, 2026
This doesn't tie long-term money up in the secondary. The Eagles have a sticky group of CBs.
Most of Riq Woolen's snaps came at outside corner and I'd expect that to remain true with the #Eagles, but the #Seahawks lined him up at nickel 22 times last season, and seemed matchup dependent. Spent some time defending TEs (Kittle and McBride) and some hybrid/big slots like… pic.twitter.com/c8z6SVboCY
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) March 10, 2026
The #eagles were in need of a CB opposite star Quinyon Mitchell. Riq Woolen moved around last year, 382 snaps at left CB, 376 at right CB, 14 snaps at slot. Among CBs targeted at least 50 times, Woolen allowed the 6th lowest completion % (49.2) last season per Next Gen Stats.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 10, 2026
I’ve studied Riq Woolen’s game extensively.
— Eagles Eric (@EaglesXsandOs) March 10, 2026
A lot of Eagles fans claimed that he sucked back in October.
He has his warts but he’s one of stickiest corners in the NFL and ELITE in press bail coverage.
With him and Qs speed on the outside, it alleviates the need for safeties… https://t.co/cj0rV5kTjN
"Woolen has allowed just a 27.6% completion percentage in man coverage, the lowest by any defender to face 20+ targets in man since at least 2018, ceding 73 yards on 29 targets (2.5 per target)."
— Jeff Neiburg (@Jeff_Neiburg) March 10, 2026
Eagles play more man than the Seahawks did.
Upgrading from Adoree Jackson and Kelee Ringo to Riq Woolen is pretty darn good business
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) March 10, 2026
With Riq Woolen to #Eagles, Philly can keep Cooper DeJean in the slot while Woolen plays outside with Quinyon Mitchell.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrPHL) March 10, 2026
In base, DeJean can move to safety with Reed Blankenship departing.
Big upgrade for an already good pass defense.
This makes a lot of sense for both sides. Woolen is betting on himself to prove he's worth a huge contract as part of an elite defense. https://t.co/QB8TrDhLP3
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) March 10, 2026
Even on plays new #Eagles DB Riq Woolen doesn't get a great jam in man coverage or allows a free release, he has the speed to turn and run with most players in the NFL. His length also allows him to play through the catch point. Rep is never truly over for him even in a trail… pic.twitter.com/RyyU0ouEvs
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) March 10, 2026
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