The Seattle Seahawks, fresh off their Super Bowl victory, could lose one of their prominent defensive players during the upcoming free agency period. Tariq Woolen, a standout cornerback, is anticipated to be among the most sought-after players at his position, attracting serious interest from several teams including the San Francisco 49ers.
San Francisco 49ers Target Woolen to Bolster Secondary
According to Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur of The Athletic, the 49ers are monitoring Woolen closely as they look to strengthen their defense. Woolen’s combination of size, speed, and experience makes him a valuable target, especially given San Francisco’s struggles in pass defense last season. The 49ers ranked 25th in passing defense in 2025, conceding 232.4 yards per game, and currently rely on Deommodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, and Upton Stout in their secondary.
Potential Impact and Contract Expectations for Woolen
Woolen’s profile as a 6-foot-4 cornerbacks sets him apart, offering a strong physical presence on the field. Over four seasons with the Seahawks, Woolen accumulated 203 tackles, 53 passes defended, and 12 interceptions, with a career-high six interceptions earning him Pro Bowl honors in his rookie year. During the 2025 campaign, he recorded 41 tackles, 12 passes defended, and one interception.
If Riq Woolen doesn’t re-sign with the Seahawks, several NFL executives and coaches think the 49ers will have interest in the 6-foot-4 cornerback,
insiders noted at The Athletic.
Woolen had some ups and downs winning a ring in Seattle but was pretty consistent locking down receivers, has speed and is only 27. He wouldn’t be cheap — The Athletic had him No. 26 in our free-agent rankings with a price tag of four years and $76 million — but would be an improvement over Renardo Green.
Significance of Woolen’s Possible Move to a Division Rival
Acquiring Woolen would notably enhance the 49ers’ defensive secondary and disrupt a division opponent. Given his performance and potential contract value, Woolen is expected to draw attention from multiple NFL teams. For San Francisco, adding him could be a decisive factor in improving their pass defense and competing more effectively within the division.
