Riq Woolen could be the perfect move that the Colts could make to try and fix their CB issues at the trade deadline

The crowded Seahawks CB room impacting Riq Woolen

“To call the Seahawks' group of defensive backs an embarrassment of riches would be an understatement. The team just drafted Nick Emmanwori, and they have Coby Bryant playing safety for them. With Devon Witherspoon practicing in full out of the bye and Josh Jobe quietly having a great year, Tariq Woolen could soon be expendable. Julian Love may be headed for the injured reserve, but the safeties are set. Jobe has been too good to bench, and Witherspoon is one of the better corners in the league when healthy. That would mean either Woolen goes full-time as the nickel, or the Seahawks try and receive a return.” - Rob

Why the Seahawks could trade Riq Woolen

“Woolen is at a bit of an intersection in his career. If you just scout the box score, you see a player who looks like he fell off tremendously. To a certain degree, that is true. He's not taking the ball away the way he did when he was a rookie in 2022. But he's more effective at the position right now. A lot of his production was pure instinct and taking chances. But those chances will come back to bite you, and that happened more than a few times with Woolen. However, if you go and watch what he did against Nico Collins and the Texans, you see a player who is consistently under control, playing his technique and trusting his coaching. He may not be as splashy, but he's a better pure player.” - Rob

Why Riq Woolen should be a trade candidate for the Colts

The Colts' CB room has struggled tremendously in recent weeks. The numerous injuries impacting the room have become hard to overcome, and adding a CB at the deadline would add depth and potentially a full-time starter. I think Woolen would be an option that could, at the minimum, give them a solid depth piece who fits Anarumo’s system. But I think his ceiling is becoming a full-time starter opposite of Charvarius Ward when he's healthy. 

Woolen's size and speed combo would automatically have him jump multiple CBs on the Colts' depth chart. Woolen was a legit game-changer early in his NFL career. And I think Anarumo’s defense would utilize the strengths of his game and hide his flaws a bit more than what we've seen in Seattle the last couple of years. If I were the Colts, I would offer a conditional fifth that can become a fourth for Woolen and a seventh.

How much would it cost for the Seahawks to trade Riq Woolen

“Woolen is in the final year of his rookie deal. That's part of the reason he's been so heavily rumored to be traded. From a financial standpoint, the Seahawks would be saving money by letting go and recouping some draft capital before he hits free agency. That being said, Woolen hasn't had the same production over the past three seasons when comparing his numbers to his rookie year, where he was a Pro Bowler. If Seattle could flip Woolen for a 4th or even a 5th, I think you have to consider.” - Rob