Seattle Seahawks fans have no reason to panic about cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Next year maybe, but not before the 2026 season. He wants a contract extension, and he will almost certainly get one to his liking, but that simply hasn't happened yet.
The elite cornerback's first public words about the situation were heard on Episode 1 of Hard Knocks, which aired on Tuesday evening. While driving in a car and being filmed by the HBO crew, Witherspoon broke down his view of the importance of his position in general and his own importance, specifically.
He didn't appear upset or angry in any way that he hadn't been extended the way his teammates, edge rusher Derick Hall and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, were this past offseason. Witherspoon didn't speak with worry that he wouldn't get paid a lot of money soon. His approach was that of a 10-year veteran.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon speaks about his contract situation on Hard Knocks
Witherspoon said, "Outside of quarterback, (cornerbacks) have the hardest position on the field. It's hard to guard (receivers), especially when you can't touch them past five yards...It's a hard job to play, so when you've got a guy who can really...shut down a receiver, or could be versatile like I am, you don't come across those guys often. So, when you've got a premier corner like that, you pay him. Please pay him. That's all we're saying. But it's not something on my mind right now."
Instead, the cornerback continued, he is focused on being a good player and helping his team defend the Super Bowl title it won last season. Ultimately, the young player knows he is going to get paid a lot of money, and that cash will likely come from the Seattle Seahawks.
But at this point, no reasons to panic exist. For one, Witherspoon is going about his business as a professional. Instead of showing up to training camp and refusing to practice, as fellow 2023 draft picks Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions and Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons (Robinson has since signed a massive extension) did, Seattle's corner is practicing in full.
Another reason not to overly stress is that Devon Witherspoon isn't simply signed through 2026. Because the team picked up his fifth-year option, the cornerback is under contract through 2027. The team technically has two full seasons before it needs to panic about potentially losing Witherspoon in free agency.
Even after 2027, Seattle could place the franchise tag on the corner, keeping him with the Seahawks through 2028. This option is a worst-case scenario, though, because the relationship between the player and the team would be greatly strained.
Most likely, general manager John Schneider will work out a contract extension with Witherspoon's people before the coming season. The new deal will probably make the cornerback the highest-paid player at his position, at least for a short time.
His agency also represents New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Witherspoon will probably reset the cornerback market, and then Gonzalez will reset it again soon after. Ultimately, it is a win for all parties involved, including the Seahawks.
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