Lions Stand Out as Clear Trade Partner for Eagles $12M Super Bowl Champion

There seems to be a feeling around the NFL that the Philadelphia Eagles could move on from Tariq Woolen just a couple of months after signing him. Woolen, a free agent this past offseason, is playing on a one-year, $15 million deal. He has $12 million guaranteed, but since he's a free agent at the end of the season, teams will be more than willing to trade for him. 

The question is whether teams believe he can return to the form he showed in the early stages of his time with the Seattle Seahawks, though it's fair to wonder if that player is ever coming back. 

Regardless, the Eagles are in a position to move on from Woolen because of all the injuries they've dealt with on both sides of the ball this season, and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN recently suggested there's a chance he could be traded. While that seems likely, Fowler said there's only a 35% chance he gets moved. As for teams that could use him, he named the Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

“What Fowler is hearing: When I talk to rival teams about which players Philly might move, Woolen's name comes up fairly often. He's a high-upside corner and 2027 free agent whose $1.26 million base salary could help facilitate a trade (much of his $12 million in guarantees came via signing or restructured bonuses). Predicted chance of getting traded: 35%

“… Team fits: Lions, Panthers, Steelers,” ESPN wrote.

Among those three teams, the Lions are the most obvious choice that could use a player of Woolen's caliber. Even if he's not what he used to be, Detroit's secondary is among the worst in the NFL and will likely be part of the reason why it does or doesn't have a chance to win a Super Bowl this year. 

As for his price, Woolen doesn't figure to be that expensive on the trade market, either, which makes this even easier for Detroit to decide on. 

It feels like an almost low-risk type of move, considering he hits free agency in the offseason as well. The Lions have some other needs on the defensive side of things, but an experienced defensive back who can at least help contain other teams' top WR's should be a priority.

There are concerns that Woolen isn't that player anymore, but Detroit likely won't find much better out there.