Witherspoon ‘not worried’ about contract talks with Seahawks

Devon Witherspoon has been in negotiations with the Seattle Seahawks on a potential contract extension that could make him the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback.

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But according to the three-time Pro Bowler, a new deal isn’t his primary focus at the moment.

“I’m not worried about that right now,” Witherspoon said after Tuesday’s training camp practice, which marked his first time speaking to reporters since Seattle’s Super Bowl triumph in February.

“I’m out here to focus on making plays and trying to get better day by day. We’ve got other stuff we’re focused on. And ultimately we’re just trying to win games, so that’s what I’m focused on right now.”

Witherspoon has backed up those words.

The 25-year-old star cornerback participated in the Seahawks’ offseason program and has been a full participant in training camp, all while reportedly displaying his usual infectious energy and enthusiasm.

It’s a contrast from the trend of “hold-ins” – attending practice to avoid being fined, but not participating – that some NFL stars use as a tactic while seeking a new contract.

“I’m really impressed by it, honestly,” Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said after the team’s fifth training camp practice on July 30. “It’s something that you’re not used to dealing with as a player. And so to be able to take whatever’s going on in that front and compartmentalize that, it shows you his maturity and his commitment to the team, and really his own personal development, too.

“Just how much he loves football, and how he wants to be out here and try to get better. So I really respect his approach so far. He’s been great.”

Witherspoon, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, still has two years left on his rookie deal after Seattle exercised the fifth-year option on his contract back in March.

However, the Seahawks presumably would like to secure Witherspoon into their long-term plans sooner rather than later, as the versatile standout has already established himself as a cornerstone on the reigning Super Bowl champions’ top-ranked “Dark Side” defense.

By average annual value, the current NFL record for a cornerback contract belongs to the Cleveland Browns’ Denzel Ward, who recently agreed to a two-year, $62.2 million extension that averages $31.1 million per year.

New England Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez, a 2023 first-round pick who is represented by the same agency as Witherspoon, also reportedly has been in negotiations for a potential record-setting extension.

But Witherspoon insists he’s keeping his focus on the field.

“We’ve got a long season ahead of us,” Witherspoon said. “Contract or not, we’ve still got to play football at the end of the day, and we’ve gotta be out there and be prepared. If you’re not practicing, you’re not getting ready for the season, because everybody else in the league is practicing and they’re getting better.

“So, that’s where my mind is at right now. I’m focused on what I need to do right now. I’m not really worried about anything else.”

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