As April kicks off, signaling draft month in the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks reflect on past successes while eyeing future prospects. Among their recent triumphs is the discovery of talent beyond the early rounds, exemplified by cornerback Riq Woolen.
In 2022, the Seahawks unearthed Woolen in the fifth round, a move that proved to be a stroke of genius. Fast forward to 2023, and Woolen’s performance on the field has not gone unnoticed.
The NFL’s performance-based bonus system rewards players based on their playing time relative to their contract earnings. For Woolen, this translates to a significant bonus payout of $839,154, augmenting his $870,000 base salary from last season.

Ranked tenth in bonus earnings league-wide, Woolen’s success underscores the Seahawks’ knack for finding hidden gems. Despite being a late-round pick, Woolen’s contributions on the field have been invaluable, earning him a spot among the top beneficiaries of the performance-based bonus system.
It’s worth noting that these bonuses don’t impact the salary cap, offering players like Woolen a well-deserved financial reward outside of the cap restrictions. As the Seahawks gear up for the upcoming draft, Woolen’s story serves as a testament to the potential rewards of scouting and player development in the NFL.