Sportsnaut
An NFL analyst has a solution for the Philadelphia Eagles to fix their No. 2 cornerback issues — trade for a former Pro Bowler.
Adoree’ Jackson and Kelee Ringo have started opposite Quinyon Mitchell through the first six weeks of the season, but both have struggled. Jackson has allowed 16 receptions for 190 yards with an 83.8 passer rating against him. Ringo has surrendered eight catches for 125 yards with a 93.4 passer rating allowed. Both have also had trouble bringing down opponents with four missed tackles apiece.
The Eagles traded for cornerback Jakorian Bennett during training camp, but he’s currently on injured reserve and it remains unclear when he will return.
With the Eagles lacking internal options, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell proposes Philadelphia trade for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, who could use a change of scenery. Barnwell suggests the Eagles part with Ringo and a 2026 fourth-round pick for Woolen and a 2026 fifth-round selection.
“Philly desperately needs a third cornerback to play on the outside across from Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, and though Woolen has struggled to match what was a sterling performance as a rookie, he’s going to offer more upside than just about anybody else the Eagles can acquire at the deadline,” Barnwell writes. “The other corners on the market are going to be either similarly frustrating young prospects (Cam Taylor-Britt of the Bengals, Joshua Williams of the Chiefs) or replacement-level journeymen (Saints corner Isaac Yiadom or Commanders corner Noah Igbinoghene). Woolen is a shot worth taking and a potential project for Vic Fangio over the rest of the season.”
Woolen was a Pro Bowler in 2022 when he led the NFL with six interceptions and finished third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. However, he hasn’t been able to live up to that performance since.
Woolen was benched for a period during the 2024 season and has been penalized six times in Seattle’s five games this year. He’s also allowed a 123.1 passer rating on 13 receptions for 183 yards.
Woolen would be a low-risk lottery ticket in hopes he could turn it around under Fangio and display the talent that made him one of the best cornerbacks in the game in 2022. But it could also be a big swing-and-a-miss for a player who has struggled the last two seasons.
No matter what, the Eagles have to fix their cornerback issue before it’s too late. Their secondary will have their hands full Sunday facing Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings on the road.
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