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How Riq Woolen fits with the Eagles after signing a one-year deal
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- How Riq Woolen fits with the Eagles after signing a one-year deal
The Eagles took a position that was already a strength in 2025 and added the ultimate equalizer in this pass-happy NFL, signing Riq Woolen to a one-year, $15 million deal . Philadelphia has talented pass rushers in Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt , but Vic Fangio's defensive unit now has three elite athletes to match up with the elite wide receiver trios around the NFL.
The move allows Cooper DeJean to remain a versatile weapon, while Michael Carter II could see snaps at safety, and it allows the Birds to keep Jakorian Bennett and Kelee Ringo in reserve roles.
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With the move now official, we're looking at how Woolen will fit in this dynamic defense.
Elite athleticism
Woolen possesses unmatched measurables for a cornerback as he's tall, athletic, physical, fast, and has top-flight ball skills. Woolen is 6-4 with long arms and ran a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. Even more impressive, he produced the second-highest lockdown percentage (65%) in the NFL this past season.
Eagles can pick and choose
According to NBC Sports Philadelphia and Sharp Football, the Eagles used man coverage on 24.5% of their snaps last season. That ranked 12th in the NFL, whereas the Seahawks' man usage (15.2%) ranked 27th. That number will increase dramatically for Philadelphia. Fangio can pick and choose when Quinyon Mitchell travels, and when the Eagles play things based on matchups, size advantages, and analytics.
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Woolen will take chances
Although reckless at times, since entering the league in 2022, Woolen's 8 interceptions in man coverage rank 3rd according to ESPN Analytics / NFL Next Gen Stats.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles add Riq Woolen: What it means for Vic Fangio's secondary
