Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen is involved in trade rumors.
NFL trade rumors are flying around at a rapid clip, and one Seattle Seahawks player has been mentioned quite frequently as a trade candidate.
Seahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen has been a mainstay in NFL trade rumors for most of the season. With the trade deadline coming up on November 4, there’s a chance Woolen’s days in the Pacific Northwest are numbered.
However, it seems like those rumors will not lead to anything, at least according to NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo.
Garafolo Says it is ‘More Likely Than Not’ that Woolen Remains in Seattle
A lot can happen over the next few days, but Garafolo does not see any movement with Tariq Woolen.
Not only that, but he also thinks that Woolen could be a key building block for Seattle in the years to come.
Garafolo saying that the Seahawks want Woolen “in their long-term plans,” certainly indicates that the team isn’t rushing to deal him at the first offer.
Could this be Seattle general manager John Schneider trying to muddy the waters in hopes of a better trade offer?
Maybe, but Garafolo probably doesn’t mention anything about long-term plans on national TV if that were the case.
Why is Tariq Woolen Even in Trade Rumors?
Most NFL fans would consider Woolen to be a pretty good cornerback, and for the most part, that is true.
The former UTSA Roadrunner rose to prominence at the 2022 NFL combine when he ran a blazing 4.26-second 40-yard dash. Despite showing that elite speed, Woolen still fell to the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Seahawks.
He showed why he was under drafted as a rookie. Woolen had six interceptions in his rookie season and flashed the potential to be a lockdown cornerback. After a Pro Bowl appearance and tying the league lead for interceptions as a rookie, it seemed like the sky was the limit for Woolen.
Well, since then he hasn’t quite lived up to the potential. To be clear, Woolen has been good cornerback, but he hasn’t reached a Pro Bowl again and only has five interceptions in the last three seasons.
Beyond that, his tackling in run support has sometimes left a lot to be desired and there were times when it seemed like he wasn’t fully focused on the game.
Those were issues in the last two seasons, but trade rumors about Woolen picked up steam in the first part of the 2025 season.
Fan frustration grew loud after he misplayed a pass against San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges in Week 1. That score ended up being the difference in a 17-13 Seahawks loss. Woolen also had some untimely penalties in Seattle’s 23-20 Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Recent games have seen fewer Woolen mistakes, though. His speed still blankets opposing wide receivers and he has been a fairly stable fixture in Seattle’s defense.
Woolen, a free agent this offseason, has a lot to play for in the remainder of the season. As of now, it looks like he will finish out the year on the Seahawks.
Mark Harris Mark Harris is a sportswriter at Heavy. He graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in sports journalism and has spent the last seven years in sports media. Outside of work, Mark enjoys spending time with family, hiking, skiing, and watching sports. You can find Mark on Twitter/X at @Harris_Mark7. More about Mark Harris
Seahawks’ Perspective
Seattle’s management, including general manager John Schneider, is likely taking a measured approach. While it’s always possible the team could “shop” a player to gauge trade interest, Garafolo’s assertion that Woolen is a long-term piece suggests the Seahawks are thinking beyond short-term fixes.
Woolen’s speed and length give Seattle a rare defensive asset, particularly in an era where receivers are increasingly athletic and fast. He can match deep threats, challenge jump balls, and cover large swaths of the field, making him a cornerstone of their secondary potential.
Seattle’s defensive philosophy under current coaches emphasizes aggressive coverage and flexibility, and Woolen’s physical traits fit that scheme. His ability to recover from mistakes and blanket receivers on key downs could make him a player the Seahawks rely on for years.
Player Perspective
For Woolen himself, the remainder of the 2025 season is crucial. As a free agent after the year, he has every incentive to play at his highest level, both to solidify a starting role and to maximize his future market value. A strong finish could lead to a lucrative contract extension, whether with Seattle or elsewhere.
Woolen has shown flashes of brilliance in 2025, limiting mistakes and leveraging his elite speed to cover opposing wideouts effectively. While trade rumors have swirled, his performance suggests he remains a capable, high-upside cornerback who could anchor a Seahawks secondary for years.
Tackling the Criticism
Critics have pointed to Woolen’s run support and occasional mental lapses as reasons to consider moving him. Yet recent games indicate he’s making adjustments, particularly in discipline and technique. Analysts note that while his rookie season set high expectations, his natural athletic ability ensures he remains a top-tier talent when focused.
Even if Woolen doesn’t return to Pro Bowl form immediately, his combination of size, speed, and coverage ability keeps him in the conversation for multiple teams. This may explain why trade speculation persists: he’s a talented player with room to grow, making him attractive to teams seeking cornerback upgrades.
