The Detroit Lions could soon explore the trade market for defensive help, particularly in the secondary. With Terrion Arnold’s shoulder injury raising doubts about his availability for the rest of the 2025 season, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox floated an intriguing name as a potential fit — Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen.
Knox mentioned Detroit among several teams that could pursue Woolen, noting his appearance on Bleacher Report’s NFL Trade Block Big Board ahead of Week 6.
“Riq Woolen, at just 26 years old, has started 51 career games and totaled 11 interceptions along with 42 pass breakups,” Knox wrote. “Seattle may be more inclined to trade him rather than work out a long-term deal before he hits free agency in 2026.”
Woolen burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2022, tying for the league lead with six interceptions while posting 63 tackles and 16 passes defended. However, his play has dipped under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, and opposing quarterbacks have recorded a 111.2 passer rating against him so far this season — a steep contrast to the 48.7 rating he allowed as a rookie.
Still, the former fifth-round pick remains an appealing talent. According to Spotrac, his projected market value sits around $62.8 million over four years, reflecting both his youth and his potential to rebound in a different system.
Why Woolen Could Be a Strong Fit in Detroit
The Lions’ secondary has been hit hard by injuries since training camp. Although Arnold avoided an immediate injured reserve stint, Khalil Dorsey recently joined D.J. Reed on the IR, while 2024 second-rounder Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was lost for the season before Week 1.
Adding Woolen would provide much-needed experience and depth. He’s been a consistent starter for Seattle, logging at least 85% of defensive snaps in every season since entering the league. Through five games in 2025, he’s registered 17 total tackles and one pass deflection.
For a Lions squad chasing a Super Bowl berth, investing in another capable corner could prevent defensive struggles down the stretch.
The Latest on Terrion Arnold
After Arnold’s injury in Week 5, early fears pointed to a potential season-ending setback. Fortunately, ESPN’s Adam Schefter later reported that a second opinion showed less severe damage, and there’s optimism Arnold might return before the end of the month.
Head coach Dan Campbell tried to temper expectations when discussing the update, but the news was undoubtedly positive for Detroit’s defense.
In the meantime, expect Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin, and Avonte Maddox to carry the bulk of the load at cornerback in Week 6. The team also has Tre Flowers and Arthur Maulet available on the practice squad — and one of them could be promoted before game day.
The Lions travel to Kansas City this Sunday for an 8:20 p.m. ET showdown with the Chiefs, hoping to keep their defensive unit steady despite the injuries.
