Lions' chances of landing the perfect trade target might be better than you think

After stumbling out of the gates to begin the 2025 NFL campaign, the Detroit Lions are who we thought they were: Super Bowl LX contenders. However, at this rate, their struggles in the secondary could prevent them from winning when it matters most.

The Lions need defensive back help, even with the looming returns of All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph and 2024 first-round cornerback Terrion Arnold. Knowing this, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen list Detroit as a fit for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, who reportedly might be available.

Acquiring someone of Woolen's caliber may sound like a pipe dream to Lions fans, though it ostensibly isn't as far-fetched as perceived; have faith, Detroit! Fowler and Bowen give Woolen a 50 percent chance of getting dealt ahead of the league's Nov. 4 trade deadline.

Lions' odds of landing Seahawks CB Riq Woolen could be better than Detroit fans expect

Woolen's inconsistencies are partly why he's being floated as someone who could be on the move in the coming days. Nevertheless, upon seeing the highs and the lows, it feels fair to say the upside is worth chasing. Fowler and Bowen would seemingly agree, considering he's No. 4 among their 25 "best possible trade candidates."

Coin flip odds to get rerouted, with the Lions being mentioned as one of four prospective suitors? While Fowler and Bowen's words aren't gospel, execs have "earmarked [him] as a strong trade candidate leading into the deadline," the former wrote. The Detroit faithful will certainly take those chances.

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At his best, Woolen has functioned as an elite playmaking ball hawk. He was one of just four players to record six interceptions as a rookie in 2022, including a pick-six, and added 16 pass deflections. His immediate breakout culminated in a Pro Bowl nod and third-place Defensive Rookie of the Year finish.

It's been an up-and-down experience for Woolen in Seattle since bursting onto the scene as a pro, to say the least. He's in the final season of his rookie contract and is a candidate to walk in free agency this offseason. The head coach who drafted him is no longer with the Seahawks. Put it all together, and it's easy to envision the two sides going their separate ways, and Detroit is arguably the ideal landing spot.

Fowler argues that "Woolen would be best served going to a team that can use his man-coverage traits." Well, the Lions drop back in man coverage at the fourth-highest rate in football through their first seven games (h/t Fantasy Points' data suite [$]).