Inconsistent Seahawks Cornerback Hopes for Return to Form in 2025-26
The Seattle Seahawks have had a positive uptick with fifth-round draft picks, according to insider knowledge. In previous years, the biggest success that the Seattle Seahawks had going for them was their biggest player at the time, Richard Sherman. Or rather, one of the biggest players at the time headlining what is now known as the Legion of Boom in the NFL community. Sherman had developed into one of the best cornerbacks the team had ever seen. Standing at six feet tall and weighing in at 190 pounds. Yet, in 2022, that was looking to change.
The team had signed Riq Woolen and had a breakout campaign attached to his name. He weighed in at 210 pounds, standing at a tall six-foot-three. He had been selected from UTSA to play for Seattle. Due to his six interceptions as a rookie player, which led the league at the time of his signing. Also, he came in third place in Defensive Rookie of the Year at the time, too.
However, where did it all go wrong, or rather, where did most of it go wrong, you may ask? According to ESPN’s own Bill Barnwell, it was found that Woolen was benched multiple times. “Or will it be the guy who has been confusingly underwhelming since? Woolen’s numbers in coverage are good, but coaches have been seemingly frustrated with his tackling and inconsistency. Since returning from a knee injury back in the 2023 season. He has been benched at different times in each of the past two seasons, most recently in December for undisclosed disciplinary reasons.”
Entering his now fourth season with the league, Woolen is slated for free agency in 2026. That will put some added pressure on him as he seeks a new contract, whether that be from Seattle or elsewhere. That is left to be seen up to this point. Returning to his rookie form, hopefully post-injury, can help Woolen secure a lucrative contract within the NFL, but continued inconsistency might significantly reduce interest. One little slip can add up to a hell of a lot more in the long run, especially for a rookie like Woolen.
