Seattle Seahawks agree record-breaking $132m deal with Devon Witherspoon
Three-time Pro-Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon has agreed a record-breaking four-year, $132m contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, making him the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history.
The lucrative new agreement includes more than $101m in guaranteed money for the 25-year-old defensive star.
Confirmation of the historic deal arrived just as the reigning Super Bowl champions prepared to open their preseason campaign against the Dallas Cowboys.
Patience pays off for defensive anchor
Negotiations took longer than initially anticipated after Seattle recently made Jaxon Smith-Njigba the highest-paid wide receiver in the league.
Despite lacking a long-term agreement, the former fifth overall draft pick continued to participate fully in offseason workouts and training camp.
Head coach Mike Macdonald recently commended the defensive back’s professional mindset amid the ongoing financial discussions.
I was really impressed by his ability to compartmentalise the business side of things.
Speaking on a recent television documentary series, the confident defender insisted he remained completely focused on preparing for the regular season rather than his contract status.
Cementing a championship legacy
The talented defensive back has quickly established himself as the emotional and physical leader of a formidable Seattle defence.
His unit allowed the fewest points in the NFL last season before culminating in a dominant 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
During that championship game, the dynamic playmaker famously sacked Drake Maye and delivered a crucial quarterback hit that resulted in a decisive interception return for a touchdown.
Drafted using a pick acquired from the Denver Broncos in the blockbuster Russell Wilson trade, the elite cover corner has reached the Pro Bowl on the initial ballot in all three of his professional campaigns.
Prior to agreeing this historic extension, the franchise had already exercised his fifth-year option, which would have cost approximately $21.2m for the 2027 season.