Raiders linked to former Pete Carroll draft pick in 2026 free agency

The Las Vegas Raiders are rolling with young talent in their secondary, which does create a bit of risk heading into this season.

Opposite of veteran free agent pickup Eric Stokes, none of the Raiders’ top options opposite him have more than two seasons of NFL experience. Third-round rookie Darien Porter, 2024 fourth-round pick Decamerion Richardson and 2023 fifth-round pick Kyu Blu Kelly are currently in the position battle. While a veteran signing cannot be ruled out, the fact that that Raiders traded Jakorian Bennett to the Philadelphia Eagles last week suggests the Raiders have some confidence in their current group.

Any serious changes to the secondary will likely be waiting until 2026, where Pete Carroll could choose to reunite with one of his most successful projects.

The Raiders have the perfect 2026 free agent target lined up for them.

According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, the Raiders should keep an eye out for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen as a 2026 free agent signing.

“We already know how Pete Carroll feels about Riq Woolen. He was still in the Pacific Northwest when he was drafted in 2022. Since then, he has proved himself as a capable starter who can thrive within the coach’s defensive philosophy. The 6’4″, 210-pound corner would give them a major upgrade in the cornerback room,” wrote Ballentine.

The perceived interest in Woolen is not terribly surprising, given Carroll drafted a similar player just a few months ago.

Porter fits the long, athletic mold that Carroll desires in his cornerbacks. It also helps that the most common comparisons for Porter during the predraft process were Woolen and Richard Sherman, both of whom were drafted by the Seahawks during Carroll’s time with the organization. Both took off running during their time in Seattle, and Porter has the chance to do the same and make signing another cornerback somewhat unnecessary.

“I talked to the Raiders once pre-draft, post-Combine,” Porter said in an interview with Raiders team writer Levi Edwards. “I thought other teams were more interested, but seeing what Coach Carroll likes in his defensive backs, in hindsight it wasn’t a surprise at all. But I am very thankful to be in this position, learning from a guy like Coach Carroll, learning from a guy like Coach [Joe] Woods. I couldn’t have landed in a more perfect spot for someone like me.”

Should the Raiders secondary underwhelm this season, it makes perfect sense for the team to go after Woolen.