Riq Woolen was unable to build on a 2022 season that had him in the running for the Defensive Rookie of the Year, but the Seattle Seahawks cornerback still netted a nice bonus for his 2023 efforts.

The NFL on Monday announced its performance-based pay distributions for the 2023 season. Performance-based pay is a program that compensates all players based on playing time and salary levels. 

Woolen did not live up to the standards of a 2022 season in which he had a league-leading six interceptions and 16 pass breakups, but his playing time for the Seahawks saw him receive $839,154 in performance-based play. 

That was the 10th-highest total in the NFL and second-highest among corners.

Woolen still had two interceptions last year along with 11 pass breakups. However, after allowing a passer rating against of 43.9 as a rookie, per Sports Info Solutions, that number ballooned to 88.4 in 2023, with Woolen in and out of the lineup in what proved his final season under Pete Carroll.

But progress in the NFL is rarely linear, especially at a position as challenging as cornerback. While 2023 was a difficult season for Woolen, he may look back on his struggles as necessary if he can rebound under Mike MacDonald and get back on the path to being a top-tier corner.

And, though his reputation may not have been helped by his second year in the league, Woolen's wallet is certainly a lot healthier following year two.

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