As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the 2026 season, one thing is clear: their secondary is taking shape-but it’s not quite complete yet. With Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean already locked in as rising stars at outside and nickel corner respectively, the Eagles are reportedly eyeing one more key piece to round out their defensive backfield. Enter Tariq Woolen.
Woolen, the 6-foot-4 cornerback out of UTSA, has the kind of physical profile and ball-hawking instincts that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio could turn into a serious weapon. According to recent reports, the Eagles are expected to make a strong push for Woolen in free agency-and it’s not hard to see why.
Mitchell, the Eagles’ first-round pick in 2024, has already flashed the potential to be the next elite shutdown corner. DeJean, taken in the second round that same year, has been a versatile force in the slot.
But the other outside corner spot? That’s been a revolving door.
Injuries and inconsistent play from Adoree' Jackson, Kelee Ringo, and Jakorian Bennett left a noticeable gap in the secondary throughout 2025. And while all three had moments, none offered the kind of stability or upside that a team with championship aspirations needs on the boundary.
That’s where Woolen fits in. A Pro Bowler as a rookie in 2022 after leading the league with six interceptions, he brings both production and pedigree.
He’s also only 26, meaning he fits the Eagles’ youth movement while still offering the experience of a veteran. That’s a rare combo-and one that could immediately elevate a defense that already has the makings of something special.
Philadelphia has been linked to several defensive backs in early 2026 mock drafts, including Clemson’s Avieon Terrell, a man-coverage specialist who would be a natural fit in Fangio’s scheme. But while Terrell may be a promising long-term option, Woolen offers the kind of plug-and-play reliability that’s hard to find in a rookie. He’s already shown he can thrive in a high-leverage role, and with Fangio’s track record of maximizing defensive talent, the pairing makes a lot of sense.
It’s also worth noting that Woolen fits the Eagles’ DNA. A fifth-round pick who had to fight his way into a starting role, he embodies the underdog mentality that’s long defined Philly’s defensive identity.
And while he was once floated as a trade candidate by the Seahawks, the team held onto him during their playoff run, which ultimately led to a Super Bowl appearance. Still, with no extension in place heading into 2026, Woolen is expected to hit the open market.
If the Eagles can land him, they’ll suddenly boast a cornerback trio that’s young, athletic, and tailor-made for Fangio’s system. Mitchell and DeJean have already shown they can hold their own. Add Woolen into that mix, and you’ve got a group that could go from promising to elite in a hurry.
For a team looking to get back to the top of the NFC, this is the kind of move that could make all the difference.