Eagles first new addition brings Super Bowl champion to Philadelphia

The 2025 Philadelphia Eagles ended their regular season with an 11-6 record and won the NFC East in spite of injuries and roster issues. The lack of a consistent pass rush, and injuries on all levels of the defense created the least fun type of rollercoaster ride for both fans, players, and coaches.

Every offseason, General Manager Howie Roseman works to improve the roster and rectify the issues from the previous season. One of the challenges in 2026 for the Eagles is to improve the team without compromising the future.

After signing Defensive Tackle Jordan Davis to a contract extension this past weekend, the Eagles still have to plan ahead to resign other young stars so they don't reach free agency such as Quinyon Mitchell, Jalen Carter, Cooper Dejean, and Jalyx Hunt.

Philadelphia signs Super Bowl Champion to upgrade defense for 2026 NFL season

On Tuesday evening, the Eagles made their first Free Agent acquisition of this offseason when they agreed to sign Cornerback Riq Woolen to a one-year contract worth up to $15 million. The soon-to-be 27 year old Defensive Back played four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, and was a key member of the defense that led the way to their win in Super Bowl 60.

Woolen primarily played Outside Corner for the Seahawks, making him a perfect candidate to be the Cornerback across from Eagles' All-Pro Corner Quinyon Mitchell. Woolen has started 53 of his 64 games played in the NFL with 12 career Interceptions and 53 Passes Defended.

Standing at 6'4", Woolen is a much larger and longer athlete than Philadelphia has deployed in recent years at the Cornerback position. But his athleticism and experience are his best traits, allowing Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio to no longer worry about covering up for an older Corner or mediocre player on the outside.

The one-year deal is win-win for both Rip Woolen and the Philadelphia Eagles. Woolen gets the big payday for one season, and the opportunity to re-enter the NFL Free Agent Market in 2027. The Eagles are not locked into a long-term contract when they need the flexibility to sign players like Mitchell and Dejean to contract extensions in the coming years.

Only five NFL Cornerbacks allowed fewer yards per coverage snap than Riq Woolen in the NFL last season (0.7). That is the same yards per coverage snap allowed as Quinyon Mitchell last year.