Free Agent Primer: Will Seahawks Lock Up Riq Woolen Long-Term in Secondary?
With a new league year slated to kick off on March 11, the Seahawks have nine unrestricted free agents scheduled to test the market along with seven restricted free agents and two exclusive rights free agents. Compared to prior seasons, general manager John Schneider has more financial flexibility at his disposal with OverTheCap.com listing the franchise as sixth in available effective cap space ($62 million), but with several big name stars in line for extensions such as All-Pro receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the team won’t be able to keep everyone after running the table to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Over the next several weeks, using statistics courtesy of Pro Football Focus and TruMedia, I will break down each and every one of the Seahawks' unrestricted free agents by revisiting their 2025 seasons, assessing why they should or should not be re-signed, breaking down an ideal contract, and making an early prediction on whether or not the player will return in 2026.
Though his production in the defensive backfield proved to be a bit too feast or famine at times over the past four seasons, Riq Woolen has easily been one of Seattle’s best late round success stories. Will the next chapter remain with the Seahawks? Or will he head to greener pastures in free agency?
Analysis: Ranking Riq Woolen, Seahawks Projected 2026 Free Agents
Now officially in offseason mode after capturing a Super Bowl title for the second time in franchise history, the Seattle Seahawks have several big questions to answer on the free agency front with a new league year set to begin on March 11.
Compared to prior offseasons, the Seahawks have a quite healthy financial situation, as OverTheCap.com has them currently with $62 million in effective cap space, the sixth-most in the NFL. But at the same time, in addition to 16 unrestricted and restricted free agents, general manager John Schneider has several young stars now eligible for extensions, including All-Pro receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon, inevitably meaning that the franchise won’t be able to keep everyone set to hit the market next month.
Looking at Seattle’s projected unrestricted and restricted free agents, who stands out as the players Schneider and company should prioritize re-signing?
Analysis: 7 Burning Questions to Determine if Seahawks Will Win or Lose Super Bowl LX
After nearly two weeks of relentless coverage and chatter that has left fans on both sides experiencing a bad case of cabin fever, the Seattle Seahawks will finally hit the field with a chance to avenge a previous Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots as the two teams meet at Levis Stadium in Sunday’s big game.
With both teams boasting top-three scoring offenses and physical, well-coached defenses, Sunday has all of the ingredients for a back-and-forth brawl on the biggest stage in professional sports. To earn their second Lombardi, the Seahawks will have to hope for the right answers to seven burning questions.
‘Everything You Want in a Head Coach’: Seahawks Eager to Earn Mike Macdonald Historic Super Bowl Win
Winning 24 regular season games in his first two seasons at the helm for the Seattle Seahawks, Mike Macdonald has carved out one of the most successful runs to open a head coaching career in NFL history.
But when Seattle takes the field to face New England on Sunday for Super Bowl LX, unbeknownst to many of his own players, the 38-year-old Macdonald has a prime opportunity to carve out a unique piece of history all to himself as the first head coach in NFL history who calls defensive plays for his team to win the Lombardi Trophy in 60 tries.
Riq Woolen, Seahawks’ Underdogs Aim to ‘Finish Off’ Success Stories Hoisting Lombardi Trophy
Returning to the Super Bowl for the first time in 11 years, the Seattle Seahawks have assembled the perfect blend of experience and youth in all three phases, assembling a roster full of star power with veteran stalwarts and high-upside rookies alike.
But as is often the case for teams that manage to advance to the NFL’s biggest stage, the Seahawks didn’t make it this far simply because of All-Pro talents such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Leonard Williams. Or off of the backs of former top-five picks in Sam Darnold and Devon Witherspoon. To win 14 games in the regular season and defeat a pair of division rivals in the playoffs, they needed contributions from players who didn’t come from such heralded beginnings.
Analysis: Patriots’ Offense Presents Myriad of Challenges for Seahawks in Super Bowl LX
Led by a rising superstar under center, the Patriots are far from a one-man show on offense, including possessing an exciting running back tandem. What concerns do they present for Mike Macdonald and the Seahawks’ defense rolling into Super Bowl LX?
Seahawks Secondary Recovers, Helps Send Seattle to the Super Bowl
The Seahawks secondary had some tough moments against the Los Angeles Rams in Sunday’s NFC Championship game. How did Seattle rebound and secure a trip to the Super Bowl?
Marquee Matchups to Watch as Seahawks, Rams Duel in NFC Championship Game
Familiar foes will tangle once again at Lumen Field as the Seahawks and Rams vie for a Super Bowl berth. Which matchups hold the weight in a massive NFC West rubber match?
Seahawks’ Path to Super Bowl Revolves Around Challenge of Slowing Potent Rams Offense
Uncharacteristically, the Seahawks got gashed by the Rams in Week 16, but the defense found its footing late to aid a 38-37 comeback victory. Set for a rematch with the Super Bowl on the line, what went wrong in that game and what lessons can Seattle use on Sunday?
Analysis: Which 2022 Draftees Will Seahawks Re-sign Following Charles Cross Extension?
Now with both of their young tackles locked in for the next three-plus seasons on extensions, the Seahawks can turn their attention towards the rest of their heralded 2022 draft class. Which of the five players currently on the final year of their rookie deal have the best shot at a second contract?
Key Matchups to Watch as Seahawks Battle Rams in Critical TNF Rematch
With both teams missing a key starter on offense, the Seahawks and Rams will each have to make adjustments accordingly in what likely will be a defensive slugfest in inclement weather conditions. Which matchups will determine who holds the No. 1 seed by Friday?
Rapid Reaction: Seahawks’ Defense Suffocates, Stacks Turnovers in 26-0 Romp vs. Vikings
Forcing five turnovers while racking up a bunch of sacks and pressures along the way, the Seahawks didn’t let the Vikings find their comfort zone with a rookie quarterback under center, punishing the opposition to move into a three-way tie for the NFC’s best record.
Comparing Rivals: How Do Seahawks, Rams’ Defenses Stack Up Against Each Other?
Racing out to 7-2 starts, the Seahawks and Rams have been stingy allowing points to opponents with ferocious defensive lines, underrated linebackers, and versatile secondaries. Where does each team hold an edge going into Sunday’s first matchup at SoFi Stadium?
Report Card: Top Performers in Seahawks’ 44-22 Thrashing of Cardinals
Scoring multiple touchdowns on offense and defense, the Seahawks put away the Cardinals in the first 20 minutes of Sunday’s rematch, coasting to a 22-point victory. Who shined brightest in Seattle’s fourth consecutive win?
WATCH: One Blockbuster Seahawks Could Still Make Before NFL Trade Deadline
The Seahawks already have a top-five caliber defense, but John Schneider always has his eyes on ways to improve the roster. Could he buck past trends by going all-in at the trade deadline for an elite pass rusher?
Key Matchups to Watch as Seahawks Face Commanders on Sunday Night Football
Closer to full strength in the secondary, the Seahawks will be challenged by Jayden Daniels’ mobility, while the chance to awaken an inconsistent run game may present itself for the visitors in prime time against a Commanders defense that has endured plenty of struggles thus far.
Making Sense of Seahawks’ Riq Woolen, Boye Mafe Trade Chatter
Just three days away from the NFL trade deadline, two prominent members of the Seahawks’ defense continue to be dangled as trade targets. What’s behind the rumors and would Seattle actually move Riq Woolen or Boye Mafe?
‘Our Burden to Bear’: Seahawks Dealing With Good Problem as Secondary Gets Healthier
While the Seahawks won’t be quite at full strength in the secondary for Sunday night’s clash with the Commanders, Mike Macdonald will have to navigate a potentially tricky situation with two of the team’s best weapons playing together for the first time since Week 1.
Analysis: 5 Areas Seahawks Must Improve to Maintain NFC Lead, Win Division
Boasting a top-five offense and top-six defense, the Seahawks stack up favorably with the best of the best, at least on paper, after seven games. But to be viewed as a true contender that can stay atop a competitive NFC West, several areas must be shored up in the second half.
Progress Report: How Have Seahawks’ Defensive Position Groups Fared Through 7 Games?
Just outside the top five in scoring defense, the Seahawks have lived up to expectations in Mike Macdonald’s second season in many regards, but Ernest Jones and company still have a ways to go to play up to their high standards.
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