The Philadelphia Eagles' defense hasn't been as dominant as in the past couple of years. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio hasn't publicly advocated for a trade, and it sounds like he's willing to work with what he's got at hand. Still, that's not usually how GM Howie Roseman operates.
The Eagles are a regular candidate to trade for disgruntled players with a high ceiling and underutilized potential. With that in mind, and given their well-documented struggles at the CB2 spot, Riq Woolen could be a perfect trade candidate for this team. And, according to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Seattle Seahawks happen to be more than willing to trade him.
Riq Woolen is Available and the Eagles Should Trade for Him
"Multiple league execs have Woolen earmarked as a strong trade candidate leading into the deadline. 'They've been wanting to move him for a while," one executive said. 'He doesn't fit what [Mike Macdonald] wants to do.' Woolen would be best served going to a team that can utilize his man-coverage traits," Fowler wrote.
Woolen has shown glimpses of strong play in the past, but he hasn't been the most consistent player. Then again, that might also have plenty to do with his scheme. Notably, that's also why he'd be a perfect fit for what Vic Fangio wants to do, as the Eagles currently rank 11th in man coverage rate, according to Sharp Football Analysis.
The Nov. 4 trade deadline is looming large, but the Eagles can afford to wait a little longer. The Seahawks are in their bye week, so there's little to no risk of Woolen getting hurt. In addition, Philadelphia will have its bye next week, so it would have more than enough time to get him acclimated to the defense if the Eagles trade for him after this Sunday.
Cooper DeJean has been one of the best players in his position this season, all while Quinyon Mitchell disrupts everything around him in the nickel. But with both Adoree' Jackson and Kelee Ringo struggling, this team desperately needs to make a move to bolster its defense.
Woolen has played the second-most defensive snaps on the team, but he may not be a part of their long-term plans, and he could stand in the way of Devon Witherspoon's development. Woolen hasn't been able to keep the foot on the gas after taking the league by storm with six interceptions as a rookie, but if someone can bring the best out of his game, that's definitely Vic Fangio.