Devon Witherspoon signs $132M extension

The Seahawks have “made an extraordinary effort” to sign Witherspoon before training camp, per Rapoport. The deal would “almost certainly” make Witherspoon the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL and Rapoport said $32 million a season would be the new benchmark and he’d be surprised if the deal wasn’t around there. Sounds like there’s a chance this deal is knocked out sooner rather than later, and obviously if and when it does get done, Christian Gonzalez of the Patriots will be next in line to get his own record-setting extension.

The Seahawks wrapped up Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s extension early in the offseason, but haven’t been able to come to terms with Witherspoon despite making an initial offer three months ago. It’s hard to infer the state of the negotiations from that line alone, but obviously there’s some gap still to be bridged at this time. One of the NFL’s best cornerbacks, Witherspoon figures to be near the top of the market when his deal is finally hammered out.

Witherspoon has made three Pro Bowls via initial-ballot voting, so his fully guaranteed fifth-year option comes in at around $21.2 million. He also earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2025. The Seahawks now have extra time to work on a long-term extension for their talented, 25-year-old cornerback.

Smith-Njigba led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards en route to Offensive Player of the Year, first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors this season. He turned 24 years old earlier this month and believes he deserves to be the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. Smith-Njigba’s teammate, and fellow 2023 first-round draftee, Witherspoon also took home Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors this year. Witherspoon should end up being handsomely paid as well, though it is unclear whether he is a candidate to reset the positional market. ESPN’s Brady Henderson notes that the Seahawks can exercise a fifth-year option on both contracts by May 1, giving all involved extra time to negotiate long-term deals if need be. Were the Seahawks to make Smith-Njigba the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver, the contract would average more than $40 million per year in new money.

The bye week appears to have done Seattle’s star corner good, as he participated in full on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of being cleared off the injury report. He’ll provide Seattle with better than they’d been getting from their depth against the Commanders. Seahawks S Julian Love recently suffered a setback in his hamstring rehab, delaying his return.

Witherspoon has missed the last three games of the season with his knee issue, but the defender appears to be on track to return to the secondary for Sunday Night Football against the Commanders in Week 9.

Witherspoon was a limited participant on Thursday. That is the good news. The bad news is that CB Riq Woolen (concussion) was downgraded from full participation on Thursday to a limited session on Friday. That suggests Woolen’s prior concussion symptoms may have recurred. Seahawks S Julian Love (hamstring) remains limited and LB Derick Hall (oblique) remains sidelined.

Woolen is also the subject of trade rumors after up-and-down early-season performances. Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon (knee) and S Julian Love (hamstring) remain limited, while LB Derick Hall (oblique) remains sidelined. The Seahawks are tasked with containing Nico Collins on Monday night. Getting Witherspoon and Love back would be a big boost in that regard.

Witherspoon has made just one appearance since Week 1. It’s pretty clear at this point he should have been placed on injured reserve. Joining Witherspoon on the shelf are S Julian Love, LB Riq Woolen, LB Derick Hall, OT Josh Jones and TE Nick Kallerup.

Lawrence and LB Ernest Jones (shoulder) are good to go. The Seahawks’ defense will be without LB Derick Hall (oblique). S Julian Love (hamstring), CB Devon Witherspoon (knee) and CB Riq Woolen (concussion) are listed as doubtful to play in Week 6 against the Jaguars. All three defensive backs were limited on Friday. Jaguars WRs Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter have high ceilings in this one.