Seahawks Secure Witherspoon in Record-Breaking $132 Million Extension
The Seattle Seahawks have reportedly agreed to a four-year contract extension for Devon Witherspoon, establishing new benchmarks for total value and average annual salary in the NFL.
The Seattle Seahawks have reportedly signed cornerback Devon Witherspoon to a four-year, $132 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in National Football League history. The agreement, which includes $101 million in guaranteed funds, sets new records for both total value and average annual value of $33 million for the position.
According to reports from ESPN, the deal supersedes previous benchmarks held by Trent McDuffie, who signed a four-year, $124 million extension with the Los Angeles Rams in March, and Denzel Ward, who held the prior average annual value record at $31.1 million. The extension is structured to take effect during the 2028 season, following the conclusion of Witherspoon’s existing rookie contract.
Witherspoon, a three-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro, played a pivotal role in the Seahawks’ defensive performance during the 2025 season. Despite missing five games due to a knee injury, he recorded 72 combined tackles, one interception, seven passes defended, and 10 total pressures across 12 regular-season games. His performance earned him an 89.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, leading all NFL cornerbacks.
The defensive unit’s success was instrumental in the Seahawks’ victory in Super Bowl LX. During the season leading to the championship, Seattle’s defence ranked first in the NFL in opponent points allowed at 17.2 per game, third in opponent rushing yards at 91.9 per game, sixth in opponent total yards, and 10th in opponent passing yards. Witherspoon was selected by the Seahawks with the fifth pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Illinois, where he was named an All-American in 2022.
The record-setting agreement for Witherspoon coincides with ongoing contract negotiations elsewhere in the league. Fellow fourth-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez is currently in extension talks with the New England Patriots. Patriots owner Robert Kraft stated in July that the team’s offer to Gonzalez would be the richest in both franchise history and for an NFL cornerback.
