Riq Woolen Signs $15 Million Deal with Eagles

The cornerback's one-year contract brings high-risk, high-reward potential to Philadelphia's secondary.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:30am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a cornerback's defensive play, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the fractured, multi-perspective nature of the game.The Eagles' high-stakes gamble on cornerback Riq Woolen's potential could reshape their secondary and championship aspirations.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed cornerback Riq Woolen to a one-year, $15 million contract. Woolen, a 27-year-old with a history of inconsistent performance, is looking to revive his career after winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. The Eagles are betting on Woolen's elite athletic abilities, hoping he can solidify their defensive backfield alongside All-Pro talents.

Why it matters

This move represents a high-stakes gamble by the Eagles, who are investing heavily in their secondary in pursuit of a championship. Woolen's signing adds an element of risk and potential reward, as the team looks to capitalize on his upside while managing the cap implications through a one-year deal with void years.

The details

Woolen, a fifth-round draft pick by the Seahawks in 2022, made an immediate impact as a rookie, tying for the league lead in interceptions and earning a Pro Bowl selection. However, his career has been marked by disciplinary issues and inconsistent performance, leading to reduced playing time in recent seasons. Despite this, he played a crucial role in the Seahawks' Super Bowl victory, showcasing his potential when it matters most.

  • Woolen was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2022.
  • He signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2026.

The players

Riq Woolen

A 27-year-old cornerback who was drafted in the fifth round by the Seattle Seahawks in 2022 and won a Super Bowl with the team, but has faced disciplinary issues and inconsistent performance in his career.

Quinyon Mitchell

An All-Pro cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, who will start opposite Riq Woolen in the team's secondary.

Cooper DeJean

An All-Pro cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, who will be part of the team's top-tier defensive backfield.

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What they’re saying

“This move solidifies our secondary, which already boasts All-Pro talent. We're investing in a top-tier defensive backfield, a strategy that has paid off for many championship-caliber teams.”

— Philadelphia Eagles Executive

What’s next

The Eagles will closely monitor Woolen's performance and behavior during the upcoming season, as his one-year deal gives the team flexibility to assess his fit and potential long-term value.

The takeaway

The Riq Woolen signing represents a high-risk, high-reward move by the Philadelphia Eagles, as they look to bolster their secondary and make a championship push. The team is betting on Woolen's elite athletic abilities and the potential for a bounce-back season, while managing the cap implications through a one-year deal. If Woolen can recapture his rookie form, the Eagles may have found a cornerstone for their defensive backfield, but the pressure is on for the player to deliver consistently.