After a season marked by both trade rumors and a Super Bowl appearance, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen is preparing to enter the free-agent market. Woolen is leaving contract negotiations to his agent but expressed eagerness to explore his value, confident in the effort he has invested on the field. The Seahawks cornerback understands the uncertainty of his future with Seattle but remains optimistic about the opportunities ahead.
I know there’s a chance I may be in Seattle, I know there’s a chance I may not be in Seattle,
Woolen said, via SiriusXM NFL Radio.
It’s exciting just because I know the work I put in, I feel like I’ve done great, and I know the type of player I am. I know I can help a locker room. I know wherever I go, the people will love me there, the fans will love me there.
Supportive Seahawks Staff and Emerging Rookie Talent
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald highlighted the evolving role of offensive assistant Daniel Stern, noting his increasing influence within the coaching staff. Macdonald emphasized Stern’s involvement in offensive programming and collaboration with other coaches, portraying him as a vital resource for the Seahawks’ offensive development.
He’s going to be a really significant part of our offensive staff as well as helping me program-wise, bounce some ideas off Brian. He’s going to kind of have his hand in everything … but we’re really excited to have him.
— Mike Macdonald, Seahawks HC, quoted in Brady Henderson
Meanwhile, safety Nick Emmanwori concluded a noteworthy rookie season, finishing second in the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. Speaking on The Richard Sherman Podcast, Emmanwori shared his excitement for further growth and improvement as he enters the offseason.
It’s exciting for me because I can’t wait to go to the offseason and put the work in,
Emmanwori said.
I know I’m just scratching the surface. I’m thinking of my prime, like how can I get to my prime? In my mind, this is just stuff that I’m putting together, but when I put everything together as far as the coverage and the pass rush and the playbook and just seeing the game, that’s what I’m looking forward to.
Emmanwori’s Standout Performance in NFC Championship Game
Emmanwori’s impact was particularly evident in the Seahawks’ NFC Championship victory over the Los Angeles Rams, where he recorded five tackles and three pass defenses. Reflecting on the game, he described feeling “in my zone,” seamlessly adapting to various assignments across the field.
That was definitely a cool moment. I just remember being in my zone that game. I was in the zone. … It was just natural,
Emmanwori said.
Whatever’s in the scheme, whatever’s in the playbook, I would flawlessly kind of just adjust to it and I can just make those plays. So it was like, I’m guarding the running back, making the play, guarding Puka in the slot, like guarding Davante Adams. Setting the edge, getting off blocks. I was just really in the zone that game and we were just focused. It was just a different feeling.
He also noted the intensity of the NFC Championship rivalries, stating the energy for that matchup surpassed even the Super Bowl experience.
No disrespect to the Patriots or nothing like that. I don’t want to take nothing away from them, but that game, it felt like that game was legit,
Emmanwori said.
You know how it is with the rivalries. The Rams, they come in, (Matthew) Stafford, he’s a hell of a quarterback. (Sean) McVay always got a hell of a plan. That game was definitely different. It was a different type of game. It was live. I was in my zone.
Arizona Cardinals Defensive Coordinator Reflects on Coaching Role
Meanwhile, Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis recently shared his feelings after a period of extensive reflection, expressing satisfaction about returning to his post in Arizona. Rallis emphasized his commitment to improving his coaching performance, looking to leverage the expertise of head coach Mike LaFleur.
I didn’t know I was going to be here, but I was still looking at it through that lens,
Rallis stated, via the team’s official website.
Looking at it, ‘How can I be better at my job?‘
He further described how LaFleur’s deep understanding of divisional offenses, which are widespread throughout the league, will provide valuable insight and contribute to his professional growth.
Mike’s knowledge of the offenses that exist in this division, and they are pretty prevalent around the league, getting his perspective on that and what gives those offenses issues, that is going to lead to a lot of growth for me,
Rallis explained.
Significance of the Offseason and Future Moves for Seahawks
As the offseason approaches, Riq Woolen’s status and potential move in the trade market could significantly shape the Seahawks’ roster and defensive strategy. His confidence in his contributions and ability to impact locker room dynamics make him a sought-after player in free agency. Alongside the presence of emerging talents like Nick Emmanwori and the strategic coaching support from Daniel Stern and others, Seattle aims to build on its recent successes.
The combined efforts within the Seahawks organization highlight their preparation and determination to contend in the upcoming season. Fans and analysts will be closely monitoring Woolen’s contract developments and the evolving coaching staff roles as the team seeks to stay competitive in a challenging division.
Seahawks CB Riq Woolen on how he is approaching free agency after winning Super Bowl LX.
📻 https://t.co/v3G0iz5IH6#Seahawks | #GoHawks pic.twitter.com/3DSK0Niw6Y
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) February 18, 2026
Macdonald said Stern's role will evolve as they go. "He’s going to be a really significant part of our offensive staff as well as helping me program-wise, bounce some ideas off Brian. He’s going to kind of have his hand in everything … but we’re really excited to have him."
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) February 19, 2026
