Report: Seahawks make Devon Witherspoon NFL’s highest-paid CB

The Seattle Seahawks and three-time Pro Bowler Devon Witherspoon have agreed to a record-setting four-year, $132 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday morning.

Macdonald: Seahawks did ‘due diligence’ on CB Terrion Arnold

Witherspoon’s new deal averages $33 million per year and reportedly includes more than $101 million in guaranteed money.

Witherspoon, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, had two years left on his rookie deal after Seattle exercised the fifth-year option on his contract back in March. He’s now under contract with the Seahawks through 2031, ensuring that one of the franchise’s most talented and impactful players remains in the Pacific Northwest for the long haul.

By average annual value, Witherspoon surpassed Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward ($31.1 million), who signed a two-year, $62.2 million deal last month. Behind them, the next-highest-paid cornerbacks are the Los Angeles Rams’ Trent McDuffie ($31 million), the Indianapolis Colts’ Sauce Gardner ($30.1 million) and the Houston Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr. ($30 million).

Witherspoon joins star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the second first-round pick from Seattle’s 2023 draft class to strike a massive deal with the franchise this offseason. Smith-Njigba, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, agreed to a four-year, $168.6 million extension in March that made him the highest-paid wide receiver in league history.

While Smith-Njigba’s deal came together quickly, Witherspoon’s negotiations stretched on much longer. One possible factor was New England Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez – a fellow 2023 first-round pick who is represented by the same agency as Witherspoon – also seeking a top-of-the-market extension.

Earlier in training camp, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald praised Witherspoon for his ability to compartmentalize the business side of football. Witherspoon participated in Seattle’s offseason program and has been a full participant in training camp, all while reportedly displaying his usual infectious energy and enthusiasm.

“I’m really impressed by it, honestly,” Macdonald said on July 30. “… To take whatever’s going on in that front and compartmentalize that, it shows you his maturity and his commitment to the team.”

Witherspoon was a second-team All-Pro in 2025 and has been a Pro Bowler in all three seasons since the Seahawks drafted him out of Illinois.

With an impressive level of versatility, Witherspoon has showcased his wide-ranging skill set while filling up the stat sheet and making plays all over the field at outside corner, the nickel corner spot and around the line of scrimmage.

Over the past three seasons, Witherspoon totaled two interceptions, 32 pass breakups, 4.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. During that span, he’s one of just four NFL players with at least 30 pass breakups, three sacks and 15 tackles for loss, according to Stathead.

Witherspoon was Pro Football Focus‘ top-graded cornerback during the 2025 regular season. He totaled an interception, seven pass breakups, 0.5 sacks and two tackles for loss in 12 regular-season games last year, while serving as a key cog in Seattle’s top-ranked scoring defense.

Witherspoon then added four pass breakups in three postseason games, including a sack and three QB hits in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl triumph. He provided one of the Super Bowl’s biggest highlights, delivering a punishing fourth-quarter QB hit that knocked the ball free and right into the hands of teammate Uchenna Nwosu, who raced the other way for a game-sealing 45-yard pick-six.

“We love him, and it’s because of the energy and the competitiveness and the person and his love of the game and love for his teammates,” Macdonald said during the 2024 season. “It’s infectious. How can you not play 1,000% when (Witherspoon) is on the field doing the stuff that he does? We talk about force multiplier. He’s a force multiplier.”

Seattle Seahawks news and more

• Wyman & Bob react to Seattle Seahawks’ Terrion Arnold signing
• Seahawks QB Sam Darnold makes big climb in NFL Top 100
• Seattle Seahawks fullback Robbie Ouzts to IR, will miss 2026 season

Related

Seattle Sports Radio Info: How to find Saturday’s Seahawks, Mariners gamesSeahawks WR Tory Horton elaborates on last year’s ‘weird’ injurySeahawks’ DeMarcus Lawrence says 2026 will be his final seasonMacdonald: Seahawks did ‘due diligence’ on CB Terrion ArnoldSalk: What’s enlightening about Seahawks going into this seasonSeahawks QB Sam Darnold makes big climb in NFL Top 100