The Indianapolis Colts picked up their second loss of the season on Sunday, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-20. For as ugly as the game was for Indy, the team is still 7-2, and only lost by seven points, despite playing the worst Indianapolis has all year. The team must now try to get back on track, and the upcoming trade deadline can help with that.
NFL teams have until Tuesday, November 4, at 4 pm ET to make any last trades for the season. For the Colts, who have established themselves as contenders halfway through the season, they should be buyers at the deadline.
Unfortunately, one of the top players Indy was expected to target is probably no longer an option. That player is Seattle Seahawks corner Riq Woolen, and as the deadline approaches, his value to Seattle has suddenly increased.
Riq Woolen may no longer be a trade option for the Colts
Woolen is considered one of the top trade candidates for cornerback-needy teams, because he checks several boxes. He’s in the final year of his contract, and not a full-time starter for the Seahawks, so Seattle would be comfortable moving him, and he has also played well in the league.
While his play has been inconsistent as of late, Woolen was a Pro Bowler as a rookie in 2022, when he led the league in interceptions.
Taking all those things into consideration, it almost seemed like a lock that Woolen would be moved before the deadline, especially after a report that teams were reaching out to Seattle about him. However, the veteran corner has emerged as an important depth player for the Seahawks.
Woolen has been called out this year as both of Seattle’s top corners have dealt with injuries, and with Seahawks corner Josh Jobe sustaining a concussion on Sunday, that could be all Seattle needs to keep Woolen in town.
The Seahawks, like the Colts, are both 6-2. Both teams are trying to prepare for playoff runs, and depth is an important part of that preparation. Seattle is unlikely to move a player who has emerged as an important depth piece, so Indianapolis may have to look elsewhere to improve its secondary.