Riq Woolen's replacement might be on the horizon even before Seahawks trade him
The writing truly appears to be on the wall for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, regardless of how much we are seeing him play as of late. This is a situation that's been brewing for a very long time, at this stage, and fans wouldn't be shocked, in the least, to see him moved by the NFL trade deadline.
That November 4 deadline is approaching quickly and fans are embracing for a likely deal, but there are some questions needing to be answered. First of all, what will the Seahawks be able to get in exchange? Will it be good enough to let him go and risk losing out on a compensatory pick next spring?
Secondly, who replaces Woolen? If he isn't on the roster already, this might be a situation where Seattle makes another deal. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen list New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor as a trade possibility, along with the Seahawks being a fit.
Could the Seahawks make a pair of cornerback trades to finally let go of their Riq Woolen conundrum?
In the last year of his contract, Woolen will likely fetch a decent comp pick if he were to stick it out this season in Seattle and sign elsewhere come next March. So, this is a strong possibility for the team. But, if they wanted to get out of having to deal with his inconsistent play, dealing him for a good-enough pick is also on the table.
Taylor, meanwhile, is going to be tough to pry away from New Orleans, as Fowler and Bowen believe he's got only a 25 percent chance of being dealt. Yet, the Saints are also a team that needs as many assets as they can possibly get, going into the future.
The Saints have been financially-irresponsible for quite some time, and draft capital is the best way to relieve that pain.
He is a talented cornerback and turns 27 in December. That gives him plenty of football left, but will the Saints want to commit to him on a long-term deal? They could potentially rely on the other youngsters they've got.
"Taylor is a 2026 free agent who figures to earn a big payday, and it's worth noting that the Saints have a young core of defensive backs they like in Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley and Jonas Sanker," Fowler wrote.
Back to Seattle, who would prepare to roll with Josh Jobe and Devon Witherspoon (when healthy) on the outside. They also have rookie Nick Emmanwori who can man the slot.
And, funny enough, Woolen seems to be getting praise from head coach Mike Macdonald lately, so maybe he sticks around. Or, maybe that's just a coach trying to sell other teams on Woolen. We'll have to wait and see.
This seems like it could be a long shot, but don't rule out the possibility of Woolen being on his way out and a player like Taylor taking his place.
Broncos Linked to Potential Trade for Proven Playmaker Before Deadline
The Denver Broncos are a team that others around the league are keeping close tabs on as the 2025 trade deadline approaches, and they could be a prime landing spot for another weapon to help Bo Nix in the passing game.
Nix set various records and snapped the Broncos’ playoff drought that had stood since 2015 as a rookie in 2024.
He is off to a fine start, but adding another option could do wonders for the offense.
Broncos Expected to Pursue WR Trade
GettyCourtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Through seven games, Nix has completed 62.5% of his passes for 1,556 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, with 2019 Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton as his only proven wide receiver.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported the Broncos could be the top team looking for wideouts.
“Perhaps the biggest contender for a receiver is not the Steelers but instead the Broncos. Courtland Sutton is 30-years-old and just signed a four-year extension with an out after next season. Denver has all of its picks through the fifth round and added a fourth from the Saints in the preseason,” Jones wrote on October 23.
“The Broncos are 5-2 with a top-ranked defense and a quarterback on his rookie deal for at least another season. Folks around the league are watching the Broncos to see how aggressive they may be.”
The Broncos rank 17th in scoring offense and 11th overall. They are also 15th in passing yards and passing touchdowns, and 22nd in net passing yards per attempt.
Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant all have two years of experience or less.
Broncos Trade Pitch Lands Saints WR Chris Olave
Jones previously reported on some other situations around the league that could appeal to the Broncos before the deadline. Chris Olave’s status with the New Orleans Saints is among them.
Olave, the No. 11 overall pick of the 2022, is in the final year of a four-year, $19.3 million contract. However, he is under team control through 2026, with the Saints picking up his $15.5 million fifth-year option. That is part of his appeal, per Jones.
This Heavy Sports Broncos trade pitch would send draft capital to the Saints for Olave.
Broncos get:
- Chris Olave
Saints get:
- 2026 second-round draft pick
- 2026 fourth-round draft pick (via NO)
“There had been talk early in the season that the Saints were working to extend Chris Olave, but sources have wondered if the absence of an extension a third of the way through the season means he can be moved,” Jones wrote on October 20.
“Olave has a long injury history, but being under contract next year makes him an attractive trade target for teams who want to add a receiver.”
Olave (44 receptions, 440 yards, and 3 touchdowns in 2025) has a 235-3005-13 career line.
Clock Ticking on Broncos
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Broncos have $5.2 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. They should be able to work in the remainder of Olave’s $6.1 million cap hit, while OTC projects the Broncos will have $49.5 million in 2026.
The 2025 NFL trade deadline is on November 4 at 4 p.m. ET, after the Broncos play the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans in Weeks 8 and 9, respectively.
Whether for Olave or another option, the Broncos could be players at the trade deadline.
