ESPN Says Seahawks Pro Bowler Has 50% Chance of Being Traded

What went wrong?

According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, who also contributed to Fowler’s piece, Woolen doesn’t fit what Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald wants to do defensively. Woolen is a gifted man-coverage corner, but he can struggle in zone, which the Seahawks run 84.3% of the time, according to ESPN’s Sam Hoppen.

Woolen's struggles in zone coverage can be attributed to his agility issues, but they also come down to feel. Great zone cornerbacks have impeccable instincts and eye discipline, both of which have been struggles for Woolen throughout his career. Below is a perfect example of those issues, causing Woolen to be late to break on Baker Mayfield's throw.

The other issue with Woolen is his tackling. One wouldn’t normally expect that to be the case for a 6-4, 205-pound cornerback, but the stats tell a different story. Woolen has a missed tackle rate of 29.2% this season, which is the third-highest mark among corners who have played at least 100 snaps this season, per PFF. That part of his game is a problem that’s hard to hide no matter the scheme, but with his recent struggles in coverage added on top, it seems this is no longer a good fit between player and team.

Where could Woolen end up?

Several teams are in dire need of cornerback help. One key name Fowler lists is the Philadelphia Eagles, who haven’t found a solid option at their CB2 spot following Darius Slay’s offseason departure. This seems like a likely possibility, given Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman’s tendency to make moves such as this, especially because the team is in a championship window and aiming to repeat. 

The Eagles run man coverage at the 12th-highest rate in the league, according to Sam Hoppen, meaning Woolen would be a good fit.

Another contender in need of cornerback help is the Indianapolis Colts, who seem to have caught lightning in a bottle with new signal-caller Daniel Jones. The Colts have suffered several injuries at cornerback this year, with starting cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Jaylon Jones on injured reserve, as well as losing projected starter Justin Walley to an ACL tear before the season.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard was a frequent name on “hot seat” lists heading into this season, and a deadline move to acquire Woolen could be looked upon favorably when it comes time for him to sign a contract extension.

There's also a good chance Woolen isn't moved. The Seahawks are currently 5-2, tied with the 49ers and Rams atop the NFC West standings, and their defense has been one of the best units in the league. Macdonald was asked last week about how Woolen has been handling speculation about his future with the team, and Macdonald replied, "Yeah. There's no speculation with me. The guy is kicking butt for us," according to The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar.

However, based on the comments from the executives in Fowler's piece, Macdonald isn't being entirely honest. If that's the case, Woolen seems like a prime candidate to end up with a new team before the trade deadline passes.