Riq Woolen #27 of the Seattle Seahawks is a potential Dallas Cowboys target in free agency.
Getty
Riq Woolen #27 of the Seattle Seahawks is a potential Dallas Cowboys target in free agency.
After getting out of the gates with a couple of moves that made some sense for a rebuilding defense, the Dallas Cowboys‘ offseason has pretty much come to a standstill here on Day 2 of the NFL’s de facto free agency period, with the league year opening on Wednesday. The Cowboys have added Rashan Gary in a trade with the Packers, and brought in safety Jalen Thompson from the Cardinals. Other than re-signing their own pass-rusher, Sam Williams, to a modest minimum contract, things have been silent at The Star.
The Cowboys continue to be linked to Bengals star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, but he appears to be holding firm on wanting a top-of-the-market, long-term deal, and neither Dallas nor anyone else appears willing to go that far. If Hendrickson lowers his price, maybe the Cowboys re-enter the fray.
But one new name did enter the picture for the Cowboys, even if it’s still an obscure picture: Riq Woolen, the Seahawks defensive back who was a Pro Bowler as a rookie and helped the team to a Super Bowl title last month.
Cowboys ‘Poking Around’ on Riq Woolen
NFL Network Cowboys reporter Jane Slater noted on Twitter/X that things have, indeed, been slow at the team offices, but she did mention Woolen as a player the Cowboys are at least contemplating for a pursuit.
She wrote: “For the insatiable Cowboys fans asking what’s next? “Not a lot going on” per a team source. BUT I did ask if they are at least poking around on CB Riq Woolen. Sounds like it’s more evaluating, discussing right now but he’s on their list of due diligence.”
Cowboys Need Cornerbacks
Woolen led the NFL in interceptions in his first season and has 12 total in his four-year career. But the Seahawks have other corners they need to pay, and that means Woolen will be jettisoned–and the Cowboys could benefit.
While the Cowboys have made edge rushers, linebackers and safeties their priority, the team has been relatively quiet when it comes to going after cornerbacks. That’s something of a surprise because Dallas had the worst pass-coverage unit in the league in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus, and has not made any additions to that group.
As of now, the hope seems to be that DaRon Bland can stay healthy and get back to All-Pro form, while Shavon Revel and Caelan Carson take a major leap under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who has a sterling reputation for developing defensive backs. The Cowboys will likely add at least one corner in the NFL draft, too.
But hope is not a great way to build a roster–the Cowboys need more depth, and more reliable top-line talent.
DaRon Bland
GettyDallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland.
Market on Riq Woolen Widely Varied
According to Spotrac, Woolen’s market value would be $8.2 million on a one-year, deal, a pretty reasonable prove-it contract for the Cowboys to gamble on. But to show how varied his market is–and why the Cowboys might be better off waiting to see where his price lands–Pro Football Focus projects a three-year, $45 million contract for Woolen.
Little chance the Cowboys would go that far. They do have an interest in adding a slot corner, though they feel Thompson and Bland can handle some of those duties. Woolen has only rarely ever played slot.
Still, while we’re waiting on Cowboys news, here’s how PFF describes Woolen in free agency, where he is rated No. 51 overall on the board and the No. 3 corner.
The site wrote: “Woolen’s time in Seattle has blended high-end ball production with uneven week-to-week play, including penalty issues and late-season role fluctuation in 2024. He has consistently found the football since entering the league, allowing a 76.3 passer rating into his coverage while producing eight interceptions and 20 pass breakups, ranking in the 93rd percentile in forced incompletions.”