Devon Witherspoon has been a revelation for the Seattle Seahawks over his first three NFL seasons. His defensive prowess is evident in the numbers: just 148 catches and 1,380 yards allowed over 1,606 coverage snaps. That's a mere 0.86 yards per coverage snap, culminating in a stellar Super Bowl performance.
In 2025, Witherspoon topped all qualifying cornerbacks in Pro Football Focus's coverage grade with an impressive 84.6, and he tied for fifth in run stops despite missing five games. His unique skill set makes him a standout player.
Though not the biggest in stature, Witherspoon plays with the physicality of a much larger defender. He's a cerebral player who excels in both man and zone coverage, effectively neutralizing top-tier receivers.
Seattle's Financial Dilemma
Witherspoon's skills evoke comparisons to Jalen Ramsey, a dominant force in the NFL. While Witherspoon is a bit smaller at 5'11.5 and 181 pounds compared to Ramsey's 6'1", 209-pound frame, their playing styles and versatility are strikingly similar.
As Witherspoon becomes extension-eligible this offseason, the Seahawks face a crucial decision. The cornerback market has been booming, with players like Patrick Surtain II and Jaycee Horn securing deals of $24 million or more annually. DaRon Bland recently inked a $22.5 million per year contract, and several others are earning $15 million or more.
Witherspoon has proven himself as one of the league's elite corners, and delaying his contract extension could be costly for Seattle.
Drawing Parallels with Ramsey
After the 2019 season, Ramsey signed a five-year, $100 million extension with the Rams, which was 10.1% of the salary cap at that time. If Witherspoon's representatives use Ramsey as a benchmark, projecting that 10.1% against a 2026 salary cap of $305 million would mean an annual salary of $30.8 million for Witherspoon.
This would place him as the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, slightly surpassing Sauce Gardner. A four-year, $123 million contract would align with this valuation, making it a top-end offer for Witherspoon.
On the lower end, L'Jarius Snead's 2024 contract serves as a comparison. Snead's production was similar to Witherspoon's, but factors like age, draft status, and injuries influenced his deal. Adjusting for these elements in Witherspoon's favor, his contract could range from $27.25 to $30.75 million per year.
This range positions Witherspoon among the top three salaries for cornerbacks, at least until players like Christian Gonzalez negotiate their deals.
Contract Considerations
With two years remaining on his rookie contract, including a fifth-year option, a four-year extension for Witherspoon at around $28.5 million annually would result in a six-year, $140.5 million deal. This would bring an effective annual salary of $23.4 million.
Seattle would likely aim for full guarantees around $55 million, with total guarantees near $83.5 million. This approach ensures they secure Witherspoon through his prime years while managing financial commitments efficiently.
In summary, locking in Witherspoon with a well-structured deal not only solidifies the Seahawks' defense but also strategically positions them for future success.