Philadelphia’s current secondary arrangement centers on Mitchell as the top outside corner and Cooper DeJean handling the primary slot duties. Adoree’ Jackson’s uneven play over the season left No. 2 outside corner as a clear weakness, prompting the organization to explore options during 2025 and signaling an expected uptick in activity in the cornerback market this offseason.
Woolen, 26, brings rare size and speed to the market. The 6-foot-4 cornerback ran a 4.26-second 40-yard dash at UTSA and has accumulated 12 interceptions across four NFL seasons, while limiting opponents to a 54.2% completion rate when targeted. Even in a less consistent 2025 campaign, he posted strong metrics, including an 81.7 CB Impact Score that ranked among the position’s top players.
From a coaching perspective, Woolen’s fit with Vic Fangio’s defense is nuanced. The system values discipline, eye control and situational awareness—areas that have drawn occasional critique of Woolen. Still, Fangio has a track record of maximizing elite physical tools when roles are clearly defined, and pairing Woolen with Mitchell would give Philadelphia two long, athletic corners capable of matching up with the NFC’s bigger receivers.
Market dynamics will influence any decision. Seattle could try to retain Woolen, but if he hits the open market, Philadelphia is expected to be among the teams monitoring closely. Recent free-agency predictions from Cris Landers of FanSided and Patrick McAvoy of Sports Illustrated linked Woolen to the Eagles, arguing that his upside and the team’s needs align in a way that could yield a natural fit.
Overall, Woolen represents a calculated swing for a defense looking to take the next step. If the price is right, the Eagles’ interest in reinforcing the outside corner spot opposite Mitchell could translate into a notable offseason move that shapes Philadelphia’s secondary for years to come.
