Seahawks' Polarizing CB Expected to Leave in Free Agency

Riq Woolen's time in Seattle appears to be coming to an end due to several key factors.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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According to ESPN's Brady Henderson, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen is expected to leave the team in free agency this offseason. Woolen, a polarizing player, has faced a mini-benching, a demotion to the No. 3 corner in 2025, and trade rumors at the deadline, all of which point to the writing being on the wall for his departure from the Seahawks.

Why it matters

Woolen is a talented young cornerback who has made the Pro Bowl and recorded 12 interceptions and 53 passes defended over the last four seasons. His departure would be a significant loss for the Seahawks, who will need to address their secondary this offseason, especially with a big extension coming up for Devon Witherspoon.

The details

Woolen's fall from grace in Seattle includes a mini-benching in 2024, a demotion to the No. 3 corner in 2025, and trade rumors at the 2025 deadline. With the Seahawks facing other contract issues and needs, retaining Woolen does not make much sense for the team, paving the way for him to sign a big deal with a new team in free agency.

  • In 2024, Woolen faced a mini-benching.
  • In 2025, Woolen was demoted to the No. 3 corner on the Seahawks' depth chart.
  • At the 2025 trade deadline, the Seahawks were open to trading Woolen.

The players

Riq Woolen

A 26-year-old cornerback who has been a polarizing figure for the Seattle Seahawks, recording 12 interceptions and 53 passes defended over the last four seasons.

Devon Witherspoon

A Seahawks cornerback who is expected to receive a massive contract extension, making it difficult for the team to also retain Woolen.

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What they’re saying

“FA most likely on the move: Woolen is the easy call. With a mini-benching in 2024, a demotion to the No. 3 corner in 2025, and the Seahawks open to trading him at the deadline in November, the writing has clearly been on the wall.”

— Brady Henderson, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Seahawks will need to address their secondary this offseason, especially with the impending extension for Devon Witherspoon. Woolen's departure will leave a significant hole that the team will need to fill.

The takeaway

Riq Woolen's time with the Seattle Seahawks appears to be coming to an end, as the team's recent actions, including a mini-benching, a demotion, and trade rumors, suggest that the polarizing cornerback is not in their long-term plans. His departure will be a significant loss for the Seahawks, who will need to find a way to bolster their secondary in the offseason.