One thing we know about Ryan Poles is that he always has a finger on the pulse of the trade market. He’s prone to pulling off deals nobody saw coming, for better or worse. That is why it’s wise to watch any name that might pop up on the market. Something is doing just that up in Seattle. Ian Rapoport says the Seahawks suddenly have a logjam at cornerback and might consider moving former Pro Bowl cornerback Tariq Woolen. It makes sense with him being in a contract year and not playing as much under head coach Mike MacDonald. Could the Chicago Bears consider this?
A source informed SM that they already have. The team has interest in Woolen, due to both his significant talent and their current situation at cornerback. Jaylon Johnson and Terell Williams are already on Injured Reserve. Kyler Gordon still hasn’t returned from a hamstring injury and 5th round pick Zah Frazier is done for the year on the NFI list. This team has serious depth problems at the position. Adding somebody like Woolen would be a great short-term solution. They don’t have the money to pay him, but he could be a rental for the rest of the year, and then they’d let him walk in free agency.
Woolen would be a gamble for the Chicago Bears.
He was electric as a rookie in 2002, snagging six interceptions. He remained really good through the past two years, allowing a sub-80 passer rating. Unfortunately, he’s been a major liability this season, allowing a 113 passer rating. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a lost cause. Some players just need a fresh start elsewhere. The Chicago Bears have an excellent setup. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is great with tall, athletic cornerbacks like him. Secondary coach Al Harris is a magician with cornerbacks in general, but particularly those like Woolen. If he can rebound anywhere, it’d be Chicago. He’d get immediate playing time with Johnson out and have a chance to show everybody he can still play. If he excels, he will have a big contract waiting for him next spring from another team.
