The Detroit Lions are heading into a pivotal offseason with plenty of optimism-but also a few question marks, especially in the secondary. Two of their most promising young corners, Ennis Rakestraw and Terrion Arnold, are still working their way back from injuries suffered during the past season. Both are expected to compete for starting roles in 2026, but given their recent injury history, it’s hard to bank on either being fully ready to anchor the back end of the defense when the season kicks off.
That uncertainty opens the door for Detroit to be active in free agency, particularly at cornerback. While the Lions don’t have a ton of cap space at the moment, that could change with some expected roster moves-cuts, trades, and restructures-as the new league year approaches. Once the financial picture clears up, there’s one name that’s already generating buzz as a potential fit: Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen.
Woolen is no stranger to the spotlight. He burst onto the scene with his rare blend of length, speed, and instincts, and even though 2025 wasn’t quite the breakout year some expected, he still graded out impressively with an 81.7 CB Impact Score-ranking 27th overall.
That’s not just solid; that’s starter-caliber production. And when you consider his comfort in press-man and Cover 3 schemes, he checks a lot of boxes for what Detroit’s defense needs right now.
The Lions reportedly had Woolen on their radar as a trade target during the 2025 season, though nothing materialized before the deadline. But with free agency looming and Woolen’s role in Seattle shifting-he’s currently a rotational piece on a team bound for the NFC Championship-it’s not hard to imagine a fresh start benefiting both sides.
Adding Woolen would provide Detroit with a much-needed stabilizing force in the secondary. He defended 12 passes across 16 games this season, showing he can still impact games even when not in a full-time role. With both Arnold and Rakestraw facing uncertain recovery timelines, Woolen could step in as a reliable starter from Day 1-or at the very least, give the team insurance at a position that saw too much instability last year.
Financially, Woolen’s next deal is projected to land around four years and $62.7 million, with an average annual value near $15 million. That’s right in the ballpark of what the Lions paid for D.J.
Reed last offseason, signaling that Detroit isn’t afraid to invest in the secondary when the right player becomes available. If Amik Robertson walks in free agency, this becomes even more of a priority.
Of course, Woolen isn’t the only name on Detroit’s radar. Two other potential re-signings-Rock Ya-Sin and Avonte Maddox-could help round out the cornerback room. Neither is expected to command a massive payday, which could give the front office enough flexibility to make a serious run at Woolen without compromising depth or cap structure.
Bottom line: the Lions know they need help in the secondary. Injuries, free agency, and inconsistent play made that crystal clear in 2025. Woolen brings experience, athleticism, and scheme versatility to the table-and if Detroit can make the numbers work, he could be a cornerstone piece for a defense looking to take the next step in 2026.