With a speculative tweet earlier today from Ian Rapoport suggesting the Seahawks might be open to trading Riq Woolen, attention now turns to what they might be able to get in return.
Draft compensation is likely to be minimal. Whenever journalists are offering ‘come and get him’ pleas in the media, value is not going to be high. It feels like the Seahawks are ready to move on and will take the best offer they can get.
A deal involving a pick wouldn’t likely get much other than a late rounder. A sixth maybe? Something minimal anyway. A more attractive option could be to find a player-for-player arrangement.
Here’s my suggestion — Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd.
This is a name we’ve discussed before. Lloyd started the season splitting snaps with Ventrell Miller before Jacksonville decided to go with the more experienced player. It’s worth noting that both linebackers played well when they were on the field.
Lloyd’s contract expires in the off-season and the Jaguars have a choice to make down the line. Would they want to pay to keep Lloyd? Is it inevitable next season they just go with Miller, who’d have one year left on his rookie deal?
Jacksonville’s new GM is James Gladstone, a former member of the LA Rams’ front office. The Rams opted not to pay Ernest Jones and instead traded him away to the Titans for a late-round pick swap before his contract year. It felt like a philosophical choice not to give big money to a linebacker. The Rams’ current starting linebackers have cap hits of $1.1m and $973,000. If Gladstone shares Les Snead’s philosophy to not pay for this position, he might think they’re better off going with the cheaper Miller and getting what they can for Lloyd.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars are struggling at cornerback. Tyson Campbell has given up the sixth-most receiving yards (138) on downfield passes. The fifth-year veteran is also one of nine cornerbacks to have allowed multiple downfield touchdowns.
Their other starting cornerback, Jarrian Jones, has allowed seven completions for 85 yards on 11 overall passes thrown in his direction. He’s also given up a touchdown.
They’re using Travis Hunter as an occasional corner in specific situations but he’s not a full-time option there, given how many snaps he’s playing on offense.
Would the Jags be prepared to take a look at Woolen? Might they be more prepared to pay a cornerback if it works out, rather than a linebacker?
From the Seahawks perspective it does feel a little bit like Tyrice Knight isn’t fully healthy. He’s been sharing time with Drake Thomas. Is there room for another addition at linebacker? Arguably yes. We saw how important this position is to the Seahawks last season.
A former first round pick, Lloyd has played well this year and last. There’s a bit of an Ernest Jones feel to all of this, where a linebacker is perhaps under-appreciated where he is but can thrive elsewhere. Having more depth and quality at this position might further bolster Seattle’s defense.
So it’s a swap of players both on expiring contracts. Woolen for Lloyd.
Another option could be to see if a package including Woolen might be able to entice the Miami Dolphins. They didn’t force a turnover in their first three games. If they lose to the Jets, there’s a possibility of embracing major change in Miami. Would they consider dealing Jaylen Waddle? Would they rent you Jaelan Phillips? Or Bradley Chubb?
The Saints have needed help at cornerback for a while. Would they consider a swap for one of Rashid Shaheed or Chris Olave?
Trey Hendrickson would obviously be a very attractive addition for the Seahawks (and many other teams). Yet the Bengals would almost certainly want a quality pick to get him — and would be more likely, you’d imagine, to keep him until nearer the deadline. There’s a good chance their season will be over by the time Joe Burrow is healthy again — but sitting at 2-1, surely it’s too soon to make that call? Unless they’re blown away by an offer.
