While many Seattle Seahawks fans might like to see the team make additions at the NFL trade deadline, coming up on November 4, to capitalize on a great start, it seems more and more likely that they will make a subtraction.
Cornerback Riq Woolen has been one of the hottest names on the trade block this season, and there are plenty of suitors for his services across the league. General manager John Schneider may not want to, but if a team comes in with the right offer, it’s a move that makes plenty of sense for all parties.
But where Woolen might end up has been the driving force of the conversation. With so many teams needing help in the secondary, which team could be the one to bring Schneider a deal he can’t refuse?
Seattle Seahawks' next move could hinge on how the market values Riq Woolen
Bleacher Report recently gave their predictions for the biggest names at the deadline, including Woolen. The way Kristopher Knox sees it, the Seahawks will be sending Woolen to the Detroit Lions, one of four teams that have made a call for the 6-foot-4 corner, according to NFL Insider Diana Russini.
The other three teams are the Baltimore Ravens, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Los Angeles Rams. Of course, the Seahawks don’t want to be like the Cleveland Browns, so L.A. should be off the table. As for the Ravens, new defensive coordinator Zach Orr has carried on Mike Macdonald’s scheme for Baltimore, putting into question Woolen’s fit with the franchise.
The Lions’ secondary still isn’t where they want it to be, and they run plenty of man coverage in Detroit, so Woolen would be an instant upgrade for them. Still, just like my suggestion that Woolen’s best fit is in Green Bay highlighted, Seattle would be aiding a team they might have to face in the postseason.
Either NFC North team would be a great landing spot for Woolen to revive his career, but Detroit has a bit more ammunition to bargain with. The Packers only have one pick each in the third and fourth rounds, while Detroit has two fourth-round picks.
Woolen’s price tag is projected to be a fourth-round pick. So, if the two teams get into a bidding war, Detroit might have the upper hand.
Certainly, the list of suitors for Woolen is long, and the Seahawks’ top priority is improving the team with his departure rather than sending him where he fits in best. With that in mind, the more teams that show interest, the higher the return Seattle can get in a trade.