Eagles’ $12 million free agent addition is already making plays and has positioned himself to have a strong training camp
The Philadelphia Eagles signed Riq Woolen to come in and be a difference-maker next to Quinyon Mitchell. So far, reports are suggesting that’s exactly what he’ll do in 2026.
The Philadelphia Eagles have fielded one of the NFL’s most talented rosters for a few years now and the offseason addition of cornerback Riq Woolen follows suit.
Woolen is a freak of nature when it comes to the size and speed he possesses for his position. At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and the ability to run a 4.26, it’s easy to see why teams like the Eagles covet what he’s able to do on the field. Especially when accounting for the 12 interceptions he’s logged over his first four seasons.
It’s why the Eagles inked Woolen to a one-year, $12 million deal worth up to $15 million back in March. The idea is he and All-Pro teammate, Quinyon Mitchell, will form one of the NFL’s top cornerback duos and so far, that looks to be in the cards after the former’s strong spring.
He has opened some eyes with his unique blend of size (6-foot-4, 210 pounds), speed and coverage skills. The highlight was an interception of a Jalen Hurts throw during minicamp where he anticipated a throw to tight end Dallas Goedert, undercut the route and sped the other way with the pick.
Tim mcmanus
ESPN
The momentum has him set up for a strong training camp, which should lead to a good season. There is one fault he does need to get past, though, if he wants to truly reach his ceiling.
Riq Woolen has to overcome the inconsistencies that plagued him before joining Eagles
Tackling and run defense have been issues for Woolen over the years and then penalties were a big problem, last year. He was flagged nine times in 2025, which was fifth-most at his position. Three of those were taunting calls, as well.
There have been reports about butting heads with the Seahawks coaching staff, on top of all that. He also reportedly lost his starting job in Week 10 of last season and was primarily a rotational player after that. The numbers back that up, too, as Woolen averaged 63 snaps per game when healthy from Weeks 1-10 compared to 35 snaps per game from Weeks 11-18.
Riq Woolen’s career stats
Riq Woolen was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and immediately hit the ground running. Below are the numbers he’s stockpiled so far, per Pro Football Focus:
- Interceptions: 12
- Pass break-ups: 38
- TDs allowed: 20
- QB rating when targeted: 82.9
- Catch rate allowed: 57.9%
- Penalties against: 35
The Eagles will have a bonafide playmaker opposite Mitchell if Woolen can eliminate, or at least tone down, his tendency for mental gaffes. That would go a long way toward building one of the league’s best secondaries if it happens.