In Week 6, the Jacksonville Jaguars saw Travis Hunter blossom into the two-way player they envisioned when they drafted him second overall in 2025. However, he's been playing corner at a high level all season long. But as good as Hunter has been, the Jags could still use help at cornerback because they're not getting high-end production from the opposite starting spot on the boundaries.
Montaric Brown is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, but he wasn't particularly great before he got hurt. Jarrian Jones has also gotten ample playing time on the perimeter, but opposing teams are testing him because he's been a liability in coverage. Fortunately, the team's decision-makers will have no shortage of options if they want to bring in reinforcements at cornerback.
The Philadelphia Eagles are struggling to win games, and Jalen Hurts is out for the season after doctors discover blood clots in his lungs. Without a realistic chance to turn things around, Philly may want to hold a fire sale and acquire future assets to rebuild the roster next season. If that's the case, Jacksonville should reach out to general manager Howie Roseman to find out if cornerback Riq Woolen is available.
Eagles could trade Riq Woolen to the Jaguars for a 4th round pick
Benjamin Solak suggested the Chicago Bears trade for Riq Woolen, noting that the Eagles might have signed him to a one-year deal with the intention of letting him walk in 2027 to recoup a compensatory draft pick. Here's the skinny.
"Woolen is one of the most interesting trade candidates in Philadelphia," Solak wrote. "The Eagles clearly intended to make Woolen a one-year deal and recoup a compensatory draft pick for him next year after a strong season in Vic Fangio's defense. That plan hasn't gone entirely swimmingly — Woolen's play has been up-and-down, and his penalty woes have continued. How confident are the Eagles in the comp pick they'll get for Woolen next year?"
Solek continued, "If a team comes calling with a strong enough offer, the Eagles can dodge the comp pick calculations and get value for Woolen now."
Before signing a one-year deal worth $15 million with Philadelphia, Woolen spent his first four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and won a Super Bowl ring with them in 2025.
Granted, Woolen hasn't been great, but he hasn't been dreadful either, giving up 15 receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns on 29 targets in six games this season. For comparison, Jarrian Jones has surrendered 443 yards on 100 fewer defensive snaps.
Simply put, Woolen would be an upgrade over Jones. And giving up a fourth-round pick seems like a reasonable price to bolster the cornerback position.
Philadelphia already paid Woolen's $6 million signing bonus. Of his remaining $6 million base salary for the season, Jacksonville would have to pick up roughly $3 million, so it wouldn't be cost-prohibitive from a cap perspective either.
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Grade the trade pitch: The Jaguars send a 4th-round pick to the Eagles for Riq Woolen
If the Jags acquired Riq Woolen, Jarrian Jones could either step into a backup role, which he appears to be better suited for, or share snaps with Jarrian Jones in the slot. Either way, it would turn a position that's been dealing with injuries into a strength. Heck, John Shipley of Sports Illustrated argued in a recent column that Woolen could most definitely be a realistic trade target, and he isn't wrong.
Keep in mind that Howie Roseman and his Jaguars counterpart, James Gladstone, have made deals in the past. Last year, Jacksonville sent offensive tackle Fred Johnson and running back Tank Bigsby to the Eagles, so both teams have a solid professional relationship. That could facilitate a potential trade involving Woolen.
The truth is that trading for Riq Woolen wouldn't be costly and comes with little to no risk. Best case, he plays well, and the Jaguars get a compensatory pick when he hits free agency next year. Worst-case, he becomes a valuable depth piece. Either way, it makes too much sense not to give it a thought.
Grade: B+
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