The Detroit Lions aren't known to make major moves during the season, as general manager Brad Holmes prefers to build through the draft. However, if the Lions don't consider testing the waters for Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen, they might regret it. ESPN analyst Ben Solak predicted the Eagles to trade Woolen to the Chicago Bears for just a 2027 fourth-round pick.
If all it takes is a day-three draft pick, the Lions should absolutely be in the mix to trade for Woolen. He stands at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, and would become the only cornerback in Detroit over six feet tall. Not only would he add length to the secondary, but he's capable of playing man-to-man, which the Lions have struggled with mightily.
Woolen was a fifth-round pick (No. 153) in 2022 coming out of UTSA. Before signing a one-year deal with the Eagles in the offseason, Woolen spent four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, playing at least 15 games in each. He tallied six interceptions as a rookie and has grabbed six more in total since.
How would Riq Woolen change the Lions defense?
With Brian Branch returning at safety, adding a talented cornerback would only give the defense a bigger boost. Throughout his career, Woolen has never allowed a passer rating of more than 82.2 in a full season, per NFL NextGen Stats. Out of every Lions defensive back to start at least two games this year, only one could compare (Chuck Clark, 60.6).
The size of Woolen would be a much needed advantage as well. The Lions don't really have anyone to challenge taller receivers, and in a division with Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson (6-foot-4) and Bears WR Rome Odunze (6-foot-3), it could be helpful. I didn't even mention Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson (6-foot-1), whose athleticism makes it seem like he's 6-foot-6.
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Here is part of what Solak said regarding Woolen:
"Woolen is at his best when his assignments are simple and he can use his elite blend of length, speed and transitional quickness to stick with WR1s in man-to-man. His propensity for penalties could be a playoff Achilles' heel, but if he runs pure in the postseason, he has the ceiling of a star player at a premium position. Something the Bears desperately need in the playoffs."
If the Lions agree that he has the ceiling of a star player, and the asking price is close to what Solak predicted, then they should do everything they can to bring him in. It would be yet another missed opportunity by Detroit's front office should the Bears get him for cheap.
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