NFL teams plan to keep an eye on a Pro Bowl cornerback potentially becoming available in Seattle.
Clubs are monitoring Seahawks CB Riq Woolen as a possible trade target by the deadline, which this year falls on Nov. 4, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported Sunday, per sources.
Rapoport added that Woolen's playing time should decrease now that Devon Witherspoon, who returned from a two-game absence for Thursday night's 23-20 win over the Cardinals, is healthy, and other organizations believe the fourth-year corner could be attainable in the final year of his rookie deal.
Woolen stormed onto the NFL stage in 2022 as a fifth-round pick, reaching the Pro Bowl and tying for the NFL lead with six interceptions. He's been a notable contributor in Seattle's secondary since then, but he's struggled in the first quarter of the new season.
After giving up two massive plays in Week 1 during the the 49ers' game-winning, pull-ahead drive -- a 45-yard completion to Ricky Pearsall and a touchdown to Jake Tonges -- Woolen faced questions about his starting role.
He hasn't made amends since then. His 40.4 overall defensive PFF grade ranks 151st out of 158 cornerbacks and his 40.1 coverage grade sits 140th heading into Week 4's Sunday slate. Both numbers represent precipitous drops from his prior three years, and his six penalties committed are already just three fewer than his career high.
The season is still young, and Woolen -- who's always been a touch streaky -- has the track record to suggest he can bounce back, but it's not impossible that a change of scenery emerges as the best option for everyone by November. Witherspoon and players like corner Josh Jobe recently stepping up could aid Seattle in making such a decision.
For now, the situation is simply something teams are keeping tabs on.
At 3-1, the Seahawks will be primarily focused on keeping things rolling rather than what chess pieces to move weeks from now.
