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Lions Eye $12 Million Eagles CB Riq Woolen Amid Trade Talks
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- Lions Eye $12 Million Eagles CB Riq Woolen Amid Trade Talks
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Detroit Lions are looking to add depth to their secondary, and they have their eyes on a high-priced target in Philadelphia. Heavy.com reports that the Lions have looked into trading for Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen. Woolen is on a one-year deal worth $12 million. After securing a 2025 Super Bowl victory with the Seattle Seahawks, he joined Philly.
Multiple reporters confirmed the interest on Tuesday. Anthony DiBona of The Philly Special noted the connection on his X account. He wrote, "No surprise but Eagles CB Riq Woolen is mentioned as someone that the Lions could trade for." David Neisz of Philly Sports Network added that Woolen remains a potential target for Detroit. The timing matters because the Eagles are struggling badly right now.
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Why The Eagles Might Sell
Philadelphia has lost six straight games and sits at a 2-6 record. Their defense gave up 27 points to the Washington Commanders in their last loss. The team looks like a seller rather than a buyer at the trade deadline. Woolen fits the bill for a deal because he has no draft capital invested in him by the team. He signed a short-term deal and never got the long-term contract he wanted after leaving Seattle.
The Athletic's Daniel Popper called the Lions the "Best Trade Fit" for the cornerback. Popper noted that Woolen won a Super Bowl last season but did not get the market he expected this year. His poorest performance of the year occurred in Week 7 versus the Dallas Cowboys. Still, his size and speed make him an attractive piece for any team needing help in the backfield.
Value and Risk For Detroit
Woolen is not without flaws. He made a costly taunting penalty in the NFC Championship Game that helped the Rams get back into the game. He also gave up a touchdown to Puka Nacua later in that same contest. These moments likely hurt his free agency value. However, the Lions might see a chance to get a fourth-round pick for a player who could start immediately.
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The trade would cost the Eagles a starting defender, but they are deep in a losing streak. Fans are calling for changes after the blowout loss to Washington. Head coach Nick Sirianni says he has made changes behind the scenes. He told reporters, "To keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect a different result is crazy." Yet he refused to say what those changes were, telling The Athletic's Zach Berman, "Won't get into any of that."
The Lions need to decide if Woolen is worth the price. They have a chance to win this year and adding a veteran starter could help. For the Eagles, moving Woolen would mean they are ready to reset for next season. The next game is Sunday, Nov. 8, against the New York Giants.
