The Seattle Seahawks are off to an incredible start to the 2025 NFL season, as they sit tied atop the NFC West with a 5-2 record. With the division incredibly close and the NFC wide-open, the Seahawks should be buyers at the November 4 trade deadline, which is approaching rather quickly.
There is an exception, however, which is cornerback Riq Woolen. Though once thought to be the next young star defensive back in Seattle, he's now expendable for Mike Macdonald's team, and he could easily be dealt in the next week.
Obvious cornerback-needy teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers have all come up, and the Seahawks would be wise to see what they can get from any of them. But a dream trade partner may have just entered the fold at the last second.
Seahawks could trade Riq Woolen to Broncos amid Pat Surtain injury
On Monday, Jordan Schultz reported that star Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks with a pectoral injury. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said Surtain was week-to-week, but regardless, he'll miss some time.
With the Broncos currently clinging to the top of the AFC West standings, and several key matchups looming against teams like the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders, they could defy what they've done in the past and look for help at the trade deadline.
Denver will likely enlist the talents of rookie Jahdae Barron to fill in for Surtain, but the 2024 first-rounder has only played 11 snaps on the outside all year, so it could be a steep learning curve for the young player moving from the slot.
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Riley Moss is fairly shaky as the Broncos' No. 2 corner, and with him now tasked to cover the opposing team's best receiver, trouble could be brewing in Denver. They'll obviously rely on a great pass-rush to take pressure off the secondary, but it cannot be understated how big a loss Surtain is.
Woolen would provide them with immediate insurance for Surtain, but also, he could be a long-term player who could start opposite Denver's star cornerback. The Broncos only had five corners on the roster, and four now with Surtain out, so they could be in the market for an addition.
Obviously, the Seahawks have an incredible history of trading with the Broncos, and they could take advantage of a team that does not want to lose its grip on the AFC playoff race. The window is tight for Denver, and they need to fend off a run from the Chiefs, so they could easily call about Woolen.