Seahawks Star Riq Woolen Pens Emotional Farewell to Seattle

Cornerback Riq Woolen thanks Seahawks fans after signing with the Philadelphia Eagles

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Riq Woolen, the star cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, has penned an emotional farewell message to the city and organization after agreeing to a one-year, $15 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Woolen, who was a fifth-round draft pick out of UTSA, quickly became a key part of the Seahawks' secondary and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl championship. In his farewell post on Instagram, Woolen expressed his pride in everything he accomplished in Seattle, from his early days as a rookie to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

Why it matters

Woolen's departure is a significant loss for the Seahawks, as he had become a cornerstone of their defense and a fan favorite in Seattle. His move to the Eagles represents a high-profile free agent signing for Philadelphia as they look to bolster their secondary. This story highlights the bittersweet nature of the NFL, where even beloved players must sometimes move on to new teams.

The details

Woolen, a 6-foot-4 cornerback known for his elite speed and physicality, quickly developed into one of the league's premier defensive backs after being drafted by the Seahawks in the fifth round in 2022. His dominant performance in the Seahawks' recent Super Bowl victory, where he recorded four solo tackles and two pass deflections, cemented his status as a rising star. Now, the 'Riq the Freak' show will move to Philadelphia, where the Eagles are getting a Pro Bowler in his prime to help solidify their secondary.

  • Woolen agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles on March 12, 2026.
  • Woolen helped lead the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship in the 2025 season.

The players

Riq Woolen

A star cornerback who was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round in 2022 and quickly developed into one of the league's premier defensive backs, helping the team win a Super Bowl championship.

Philadelphia Eagles

An NFL team that signed Riq Woolen to a one-year, $15 million deal in free agency, adding a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback to their secondary.

Seattle Seahawks

The NFL team that drafted Riq Woolen and saw him develop into a key part of their defense, winning a Super Bowl championship before he departed in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“This city and this organization will always be a part of me. Everything I accomplished here — from the early days as a rookie to hoisting the Lombardi — I will carry with pride.”

— Riq Woolen (Instagram)

What’s next

Woolen will join the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2026 NFL season, where he will look to continue his dominant play and help the team improve their secondary.

The takeaway

Riq Woolen's departure from the Seattle Seahawks is a significant loss for the team, but his farewell message highlights the lasting impact he had on the organization and its fans. His journey from a fifth-round draft pick to a Super Bowl champion is a testament to his hard work and talent, and his move to the Philadelphia Eagles represents an exciting new chapter in his career.