The Philadelphia Eagles are in a deep hole after falling to 2-6 with six straight losses. A trade idea floating around the league suggests the team should move on from cornerback Riq Woolen to fix their cap mess. Heavy.com reported that ESPN experts see Woolen as a prime candidate to leave before the deadline. A 2027 fifth-round pick was the price Matt Bowen suggested for moving Woolen to the Chicago Bears. This move would rid the Eagles of a player.
Woolen’s Stats Do Not Match His Price Tag
Woolen signed a one-year deal this past offseason, but his results have been underwhelming. This season across eight games, he recorded 1 forced fumble, 6 pass deflections, and 30 tackles. He completed 60% of his passes and posted a 111.4 passer rating. With an overall grade of 62.5 from Pro Football Focus, he sits 51st among 103 eligible cornerbacks. His coverage grade sits at 59.8, placing him 56th in the league.
Why Keeping Him Makes No Sense
Woolen is set to become a free agent in 2027, meaning the Eagles will not get long-term value from him. Heavy.com noted that getting a Day 3 return now is better than losing him for nothing later. The Bears need speed in their secondary, and Woolen brings a 6-foot-4 frame that fits their scheme. Trading him now gives Philadelphia a return now rather than waiting for the contract to expire. The team has only $9.17 million in cap space, so every dollar counts. Per Yahoo Sports, trading veterans would help speed up dead-money hits, which is crucial for a 2-6 team.
The Deadline Decision Looms Large
General Manager Howie Roseman faces a tough choice before the Tuesday 4 p.m. ET deadline. He is not looking to blow up the team, but a rebuild is not in the Eagles’ organizational DNA, per reports. Instead, the goal is to retool on the fly. Trading Woolen fits that plan perfectly by clearing a roster spot and gaining a future asset. The Eagles play the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Lincoln Financial Field. According to Heavy.com, losing that match will almost definitely trigger the team’s fire sale.
