The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for a pivotal offseason as they embark on the Klint Kubiak era. With John Spytek at the helm, the team is armed with nearly $100 million in cap space and a treasure trove of 10 draft picks. The challenge, however, lies in filling numerous gaps on both sides of the ball.
While much of the focus will be on ensuring that projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza transitions smoothly into the NFL, bolstering the defense is equally crucial. The Raiders' defense is in dire need of fresh talent, and one intriguing prospect is Riq Woolen, fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the Seattle Seahawks. Woolen, a standout under Pete Carroll, has a connection with Kubiak, making him a compelling low-risk, high-reward target.
Woolen made waves as a rookie, tying for the league lead in interceptions. Despite a dip in consistency following his Super Bowl win in 2025, his potential remains undeniable.
Seattle faces financial constraints, needing to pay stars like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon, which might force them to part ways with talents like Woolen. This scenario opens the door for Las Vegas to make a move.
Though Pete Carroll is no longer with the Raiders, Woolen's skill set aligns well with the team's needs. Cody Alexander, speaking on the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, highlighted Woolen's fit in Las Vegas.
"Throw money at Riq Woolen," Alexander suggested. "He's a perfect Raider-big, athletic, and ready to shine in press-man coverage without the need to tackle.
Al Davis would have loved him."
While Woolen isn't quite at the level of an All-Pro like Sauce Gardner, he offers a similar role. Woolen himself addressed his impending free agency on SiriusXM NFL Radio, expressing readiness for whatever comes next. He acknowledged the uncertainty but remained confident in his ability to contribute and be embraced by fans wherever he lands.
Woolen's departure from Seattle seems imminent, and Las Vegas would do well to invest in him. The Raiders previously struck gold with Eric Stokes, who outperformed his modest one-year, $3.5 million contract.
Stokes is now poised for a bigger deal, and Raider Nation hopes it will be in Las Vegas. Spytek should consider a similar approach with Woolen, who has shown he can be a top-tier cornerback.
Spotrac estimates Woolen's market value at a one-year, $8.2 million contract-a manageable figure that allows the Raiders to pursue other significant moves. Pairing Woolen with Stokes and Darien Porter could form a formidable trio of young, physical cornerbacks.
Even without Carroll, Las Vegas remains an attractive destination for Woolen. The mutual interest could set the stage for an exciting addition to the Raiders' roster.