Raiders Urged to Reunite Impact Defender with Pete Carroll
The Las Vegas Raiders have seen mixed results on both sides of the football to start through the first month of the Pete Carroll era. The offense has stole the majority of the headlines with both Geno Smith and Ashton Jeanty struggling on numerous occasions throughout the first four games of the season, but the defense hasn’t exactly blossomed under this new regime either.
After losing to Marcus Mariota and Caleb Williams in successive weeks, the Raiders are being urged to reunite Carroll with Seattle Seahawks CB Riq Woolen ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline.
Riq Woolen Named a Trade Option for Las Vegas Raiders
Justin Melo of Draft Network sees a path where Carroll could reunite with Seahawks CB Riq Woolen in the near future by suggesting a trade could make sense between Seattle and Las Vegas ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline.
Melo wrote, “Pete Carroll was the Seahawks’ head coach when Woolen was selected in the fifth round. Woolen thrived under his leadership, qualifying for the Pro Bowl as the co-interception leader as a late-round rookie. A reunion with Carroll by joining the Las Vegas Raiders would be beneficial for all parties involved. The 1-3 Raiders are struggling, but general manager John Spytek built the roster to compete this year.
The Raiders are currently giving up 228 passing yards per game, which ranks 23rd in the NFL. More importantly, the Raiders may be without CB Eric Stokes in the near future after he suffered a knee injury against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Melo added, “Carroll acquired multiple ex-Seahawks this offseason, including Geno Smith and Jamal Adams. Carroll has always preferred big cornerbacks. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Woolen would arguably be the best cornerback in Vegas, with Eric Stokes and Kyu Blu Kelly struggling outside.”
Woolen has been a bit of a disappointment in 2025 after having a big impact his rookie year with 63 total tackles and six interceptions back in 2022. One could make an argument the reason the Seahawks aren’t 4-0 on the season was directly due to his poor play against the San Francisco 49ers in the season opener, where he allowed an explosive play to Ricky Pearsall and the go-ahead touchdown by Jake Tonges in the second half of their 17-13 Week 1 loss.
How Would Riq Woolen Fit into the Raiders Secondary?
Despite the struggles of Woolen in 2025, the UTSA product is the ideal fit for Pete Carroll’s defensive scheme and would prevent rookie Darien Porter from being pressed into extended playing time before he is ready.
To be fair, Porter has received a 74.4 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus on the season — but this grade has come on a small sample size of just 16 coverage snaps through his two games of action.
Woolen has been a full-time starter in the league and looked like a potential future All-Pro at the position early in his NFL career.
The Raiders‘ cornerback room likely isn’t the biggest concern on the roster through the first month of the 2025 NFL season, but does present intriguing upside for Las Vegas if Woolen can recapture his promising form under Pete Carroll during their time together in Seattle.
Tariq Woolen Makes Bold Statement: 'It’s Not Just About Winning, It’s About Leaving a Legacy'
Tariq Woolen, one of the most dynamic cornerbacks in the NFL, has never been one to shy away from setting high standards for himself. As the Seattle Seahawks enter the 2025 season, Woolen is not only focused on winning games but is determined to leave a legacy that will inspire future generations. His recent declaration: “Every play, every moment—I’m giving my all. This isn’t just about winning games, it’s about leaving a legacy. I’m here to show the world that hard work and heart can take you to the top,” speaks volumes about his mindset heading into this season.
Woolen’s journey to NFL stardom hasn’t been a straightforward one. Drafted in the fifth round, many doubted his ability to compete at the highest level. But from the moment he stepped onto the field, Woolen proved his doubters wrong with his explosive speed, relentless work ethic, and an uncanny ability to shut down some of the league's top wide receivers. It’s this drive to be more than just another player in the league that motivates him every day.
For Woolen, it’s never been just about putting up numbers or collecting accolades—although he has certainly earned his share of recognition. The 2024 season saw him named to his first Pro Bowl, and his playmaking ability continued to shine. However, what truly fuels him is the idea of creating a legacy that transcends the game itself. “It’s about showing young athletes that with dedication, perseverance, and heart, anything is possible,” he says. “I want to inspire the next generation of players to believe in themselves and understand that it’s not just about what you achieve in the game—it’s about the impact you leave behind.”
That impact is something Woolen takes very seriously. Whether it's his leadership in the locker room, his dedication to the community, or his role in shaping the Seahawks' defense, he knows that every play he makes is about more than just a win. It’s about building a foundation that others can look to as an example of how to approach both the game and life.
His commitment to excellence is evident in every snap. Whether it’s going up against the best wide receivers in the league or guiding younger players, Woolen’s focus remains on pushing himself and his team toward greatness. His words, "I’m here to show the world that hard work and heart can take you to the top," reflect not just his personal ambition but his desire to elevate the game and his team to new heights.
As the 2025 season progresses, there’s no doubt that Tariq Woolen will continue to be a force on the field. But more importantly, his legacy will be defined not just by the victories he achieves but by the example he sets for others to follow. Woolen is on a mission to show that hard work, heart, and the pursuit of greatness can truly take you to the top.
