Adam Peters hasn't been afraid to make bold trades if he feels like it can benefit the Washington Commanders' chances of getting over the hump when the postseason arrives. Although disposable draft income has diminished significantly as a result, that won't prevent the general manager from turning over every stone in pursuit of the right upgrades.
And there is one notable development that shouldn't go unnoticed in Washington's front office.
The Commanders have a decent cornerback quartet leading the charge. They might not have hit the ground running together as yet, so becoming a collective force rather than flashing individual promise is the next challenge. Head coach Dan Quinn is also short-handed after losing two-time Super Bowl winner Jonathan Jones to injured reserve.
Commanders should call about Riq Woolen's availability after insider bombshell
Peters might be content with what he has right now. At the same time, the former San Francisco 49ers executive could strike with conviction if he feels like more is needed before the 2025 trade deadline.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, there is a growing sense around the league that the Seattle Seahawks could move Riq Woolen if the right offer comes along. The return of first-round pick Devon Witherspoon, coupled with the player's contract situation, may make him expendable, allowing the NFC West club to secure something in return.
Woolen's been a revelation since entering the league as a fifth-round pick in the 2022 draft. His size, length, and athleticism were tailor-made for Seattle's schematic concepts, and he finished third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting after a six-interception campaign right out of the gate.
He has been solid, if less spectacular, in the years since. Woolen is playing more reps than at any stage since his rookie year. Witherspoon is also better suited to the nickel role, so it's not exactly a like-for-like replacement, either.
While it seems unlikely that the Commanders would make another trade for a cornerback after giving up assets for Marshon Lattimore last year and spending their 2025 second-rounder on Trey Amos, it wouldn't cost Peters anything to place a call to find out what it might take to secure Woolen's services. They'd also have sufficient financial resources to offer him a decent extension if he impresses.
Washington's window for a Super Bowl is open. Woolen would make them better, but whether it's something that would legitimately enter Peters' train of thought is another matter.
Watch this space...