3 potential landing spots for Seahawks' Riq Woolen in free agency

Before we start casting hypotheticals and projections about Riq Woolen's upcoming free agency, it should be noted that the Seattle Seahawks could actually attempt to re-sign the Pro Bowl cornerback. Should Seahawks general manager John Schneider feel so inclined to keep his Super Bowl-winning defense intact as best as possible, Woolen might not be leaving Seattle. 

That said, if any Seahawks free agent outside of Kenneth Walker III is more likely than not to be departing the Seahawks this summer, it would be Woolen. Woolen will be one of the NFL's most sought-after defensive free agents, and several teams would benefit from his services. 

Although Woolen has never made an All-Pro team, he's certainly an All-Pro-caliber defender and now has a Super Bowl ring added to his resume. Woolen is a bona fide starter and will get plenty of interest. The question is: from whom? And, is there a team out there that would love to sign him away from the Seahawks more than any other team?

49ers should do everything to make sure the Seattle Seahawks fail to re-sign Riq Woolen next season

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have a pressing need on their defense when it comes to outside defenders, which is exactly where Woolen plays. Acquiring Woolen would not only significantly boost the 49ers' defense, but it would also give them an advantage when they face the Seahawks next season.

It's not often we see high-profile players switch teams within a division, but when it does happen, it makes for an intriguing storyline. 

The 49ers are expected to be even more competitive next season, provided the players they lost to injury on defense this past season return healthy. What Kyle Shanahan was able to do with a depleted defense was Coach of the Year mettle — imagine what he could do with a fully equipped defense, with Woolen added to the mix?

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles have had a more than sufficient defense over the past few seasons, two of which included a couple of Super Bowl trips and one win. This past season, despite a revolving door, especially in their defensive backfield, the Eagles were one of the best defenses in the league.

As it stands, Quinyon Mitchell is Philly's top outside cornerback, while Cooper DeJean commands the middle of the field. Adoree Jackson didn't work out, and neither did Jaire Alexander, whom the Eagles signed midseason, but he abruptly retired. Right now, the spot across the field from Mitchell would look good with Woolen there, and it would significantly bolster an already solid Eagles defense.

New York Jets

The Jets are the least attractive free agent destination likely to be on Woolen's radar, but he would get paid, that's for sure. It's just a matter of winning — or lack thereof — that Woolen would have to come to grips with. That said, the Jets could be one of the most ideal landing spots for the four-year corner. 

The Jets also have plenty of holes on their defence that need resolving, and Woolen would be a solid option, especially if they want to replace the hole left by Sauce Gardnier, who they traded away mid-season to the Indianapolis Colts.

The Jets' secondary is beyond flawed without Gardnier, but Woolen could help patch it up. Not to mention, considering that Aaron Glenn is a defensive-minded coach, who knows what he could do with Woolen's 12 interceptions and 36 pass breakups in his four-year NFL career thus far.