Devon Witherspoon just changed the financial record book for former Illinois football players.
On Saturday afternoon, the Seattle Seahawks and Witherspoon agreed to a four-year, $132 million extension, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal includes over $101 million guaranteed, and it officially puts Witherspoon in a class by himself: Schefter reported that it makes him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
ESPN sources: three-time Pro-Bowl CB Devon Witherspoon and the Seahawks reached agreement on a four-year, $132 million extension and includes over $101 million guaranteed that now makes him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/c7tsiz6KbJ
- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 15, 2026
That kind of payday also pushes Witherspoon to the top of another list. He is now the highest-paid player ever to come out of Illinois, and it’s not particularly close.
The Illini have sent plenty of talent to the league over the years, but most of those players came through in eras when the money simply wasn’t what it is now. Even so, Witherspoon has already blown past the recent benchmarks.
Ted Karras has career earnings of $33.8 million over 10 seasons, which puts him near the top among Illinois alums. Whitney Mercilus played 10 NFL seasons and made $56.4 million. Jeff George, one of the most recognizable quarterbacks to come through Illinois, played 14 seasons and finished with $34.1 million.
Witherspoon has reached $26.7 million in just three seasons.
The money is one thing. The production is another.
Witherspoon has made the Pro Bowl in all three of his NFL seasons and earned two All-Pro selections. He has also piled up 32 pass deflections and become a major force in the Seattle secondary, helping the Seahawks win the Super Bowl last season.
Now he’s heading into year four with both his reputation and his bank account soaring.
In Other News...
Illinois May Be Gaining Ground In A Recruitment Fans Need To Watch
Brady Pettigrew is already shaping up to be one of the more interesting early recruiting names for Illinois to track. The five-star prospect in the class of 2028 has lined up official visits to Michigan, Florida, Illinois, Ohio State and Arkansas, and the Illini have a little extra footing here after being the first program to offer him. He has also made multiple trips to Champaign for Illinois games and unofficial visits, which gives Brad Underwoods staff a chance to build on more than just a first impression.
What makes this one worth watching is the sense that the timeline could start moving faster than expected. Pettigrews visit schedule, along with roster considerations at the college level, has sparked some chatter about how soon he might be ready to make a final call. For Illinois, the key is simple enough: stay in the center of the conversation and keep turning that early head start into real momentum before the rest of the field closes the gap. [Read more 🡒]
Brayden Trimble Is Giving Illinois Needed Hope At Wide Receiver
Brayden Trimbles first season at Illinois did not unfold the way he had hoped. The sophomore wide receiver saw limited playing time as a freshman, then had a foot injury add another layer of frustration, and the combination left him searching for the confidence and rhythm that can be hard to find when a young receiver is trying to break through.
This offseason, Trimble has approached his work with a more professional edge, taking cues from senior wideout Collin Dixon as he sharpens his training and preparation. Illinois is expecting that growth to matter this fall, with Trimble positioned for a bigger spot in the receiver rotation and a chance to turn promise into production. [Read more 🡒]