The secondary could be one of several position groups the San Francisco 49ers target this offseason, particularly if they hope to keep pace with the offensive firepower of NFC West rivals like the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams.
In a recent piece for Bleacher Report, Alex Kay identified some of the top impending NFL free agents, their best team fits, and projected contracts. Kay named the 49ers as an ideal landing spot for cornerback Riq Woolen, who is coming off a Super Bowl championship season in Seattle.
The Seahawks selected Woolen in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he quickly made an impact, earning Pro Bowl honors as a rookie after recording six interceptions. However, his performance has dipped in recent seasons. Woolen's Pro Football Focus (PFF) coverage grade declined from a solid 75.0 in 2023 to 62.4 in 2025, and opposing quarterbacks posted a 93.8 passer rating when targeting him. He has also surrendered 12 touchdowns over the past two seasons, per PFF.
Kay noted that the 6-foot-4 cornerback even surfaced as a potential trade candidate during this past season.
"Seattle opted against dealing its jumbo-sized defensive back, however, and certainly doesn't regret the decision after Woolen helped lead the team to a Super Bowl LX victory," Kay wrote. "He nearly cost the club a chance to appear in the big game by drawing a painful unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the NFC Championship Game, but made up for it with smothering coverage.
"During a three-game playoff run, Woolen recorded a solid eight tackles and four pass breakups. He was targeted 17 times and only allowed eight completions for 168 yards."
That postseason showing could be enough to draw significant interest from cornerback-needy teams and secure a sizable payday. Kay projects Woolen could command a four-year, $55 million contract in NFL free agency.
"The rival San Francisco 49ers could not only bolster their own secondary, but also knock their NFC West rivals down a peg by luring Woolen away this offseason," Kay added. "The Niners have struggled at the outside cornerback position and could benefit heavily by adding a 6'4", 210-pound playmaker into the mix.
"Woolen has racked up 12 interceptions and 53 pass defenses during his first 64 career games and still has plenty of tread left on his tires at the age of 26, making him an excellent option for San Francisco to sign to a long-term deal."
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