Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Cowboys can’t ignore Pro Bowl CB in trade talks with defense in shambles

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Randy Gurzi | Last updated Sep 29, 2025 9:50 AM ET

Sunday night was another rough outing for the Dallas Cowboys defense as the Green Bay Packers did whatever they wanted on offense en route to a 40-40 tie.

It was a frustrating ending to a game where the offense gave Dallas everything they had, but couldn’t overcome their porous defense.

Knowing their defense has been an issue, defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus tweaked their lineup before this game, but it wasn’t enough to make a difference. That means it’s time to consider more drastic measures, which should include kicking the tires on a Pro Bowl cornerback rumored to be on the trade block.

According to Ian Rapoport, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen could be available, and the Cowboys can’t ignore such a rumor.

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, sources tell The Insiders.

Woolen’s playing time has diminished, and in a contract year, teams believe he could be available. pic.twitter.com/3vYMcNw4tR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2025

Woolen, who earned a Pro Bowl trip as a rookie, tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions in 2022. He’s now played in 52 games and has 42 pass defenses and 11 interceptions.

Despite his performance, he’s been the odd man out under head coach Mike Macdonald and could be traded before he enters free agency in the offseason.

The Cowboys have maintained confidence in their players, and are banking on rookie Shavon Revel Jr. as a future piece of the puzzle. That said, their issues are far more than any first-year player can fix, making this a move they have to explore.