Seahawks face rising costs in delayed Witherspoon extension talks
Reports indicate the financial burden of securing cornerback Devon Witherspoon is increasing as negotiations stall, contrasting with recent major investments in other key roster players.
The Seattle Seahawks have not yet finalised a contract extension for cornerback Devon Witherspoon, with reports indicating that the cost of the deal is escalating the longer negotiations are delayed. Witherspoon, a Pro Bowl selection and Second Team All-Pro, is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract after being selected fifth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The delay occurs amidst a broader market shift for top cornerbacks, highlighted by Trent McDuffie’s recent deal with the Los Angeles Rams, and follows the Seahawks’ signing of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a significant four-year, $168.6 million extension.
The Seahawks recently awarded Smith-Njigba, their 20th overall pick in the same draft, a deal that makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in football. This move underscores the organisation’s willingness to invest heavily in emerging talent. Witherspoon has similarly blossomed into one of the premier players at his position, earning Second Team All-Pro honours in 2025 and making the Pro Bowl in each of his first three NFL seasons. Despite his performance, ESPN reports that the Seahawks and Witherspoon are not yet close to an agreement.
Witherspoon’s recent performances have further solidified his value, including a standout showing in Seattle’s Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots. He recorded four tackles, including one for loss, a sack, three quarterback hits, and a pass defensed on a critical play. He also contributed to a game-sealing score by forcing a strip-sack that was overturned to an interception, allowing Uchenna Nwosu to return the ball for a touchdown. These contributions highlight the strategic importance of retaining him at a premium position.
Market dynamics for cornerbacks are shifting upward, with McDuffie’s recent contract surpassing previous market resets set by Derek Stingley Jr. and Sauce Gardner. This inflation in salary expectations complicates the Seahawks’ position, as Witherspoon is extension-eligible heading into his fourth year. The organisation has picked up his fifth-year option for the 2027 season, providing some leverage, but the financial gap between current offers and market value continues to widen.
Speculation suggests that Witherspoon’s negotiations may be linked to those of fellow cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who shares the same agency. This dynamic draws comparisons to the previous negotiations of CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson, although those players did not share representation. While the extent of this connection remains unconfirmed, it adds a layer of complexity to the talks. Analysts advise that finalising the deal ahead of the coming campaign would be preferable for the Seahawks, even if it extends into the summer.
