Grading the signing: Eagles add Super Bowl champion who is playing for an even bigger payday down the road
The Eagles address a major need on defense with first important signing.
Replacing veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson had to be at the top of the to-do list for the Philadelphia Eagles defense this offseason.
They are on their way to doing exactly that following the latest free agency news for Howie Roseman’s team.
Eagles add starting cornerback for Vic Fangio’s defense as first free agency signing
According to reports, the Eagles have agreed to terms with cornerback Tariq Woolen on a one-year deal worth up to $15 million. He immediately slides into a starting role on the outside opposite of Quinyon Mitchell. Woolen is coming off a Super Bowl season with the Seattle Seahawks.
Woolen becomes the first outside free agent to agree to a deal with the Eagles during the negotiating window, before free agency officially opens on Wednesday afternoon. Philly has already seen Jaelan Phillips, Nakobe Dean, and Reed Blankenship agree to terms with other teams this week.
The addition of Woolen is a valuable one because he is much more trustable than any other option on the roster currently. While the Eagles could spend their first-round pick on a CB, that would place plenty of pressure on a rookie to hold that starting role.
Not to mention, Cooper DeJean can stay in the slot now with the addition of a clear outside cornerback. That’s where the young DB has played his best early in his pro career, on his way to All-Pro status.
Tariq Woolen signing GRADE: B
A to Z Sports Top-100 NFL Free Agents Ranking: #44
“Woolen has what you simply can’t teach, being his size and speed at the CB position. Early in his career, it led to him being arguably one of the top ball hawking CBs in the NFL, and that skill is still in there for the Eagles to unlock. Many thought he would be traded ahead of the deadline last season, but the Seahawks elected to hold off, and now he is a Super Bowl champion.
Woolen can be a full-time starting outside CB despite falling out of that role in Seattle. His ball skills were beyond impressive early in his career, and for this deal to work out in the Eagles favor, he will need to find it again, because his over-aggression does put him in some tough spots here and there if he doesn’t successfully make a play on the ball.” — Destin Adams, A to Z Sports
One-year deal allows Woolen to get back on the market next year at 27 years old
This sort of move is a win-win for both sides due to the potential Woolen could have as the CB2 in the Eagles defense. If he plays really well, Philly could look to lock him up long-term.
If he doesn’t perform well enough for that, then he can get another new contract next offseason elsewhere. Either way, there is flexibility for the player who knows he could be back in the Super Bowl in 2026 after joining the Birds defense.
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