The Seattle Seahawks did not take a cornerback in the 2025 NFL draft. This might have seemed odd as the team is expected to play Josh Jobe at outside corner, opposite Riq Woolen, when three cornerbacks are on the field. Pro Bowler Devon Witherspoon would be the third corner.
Jobe was fine in limited fashion in 2024, but there is no guarantee he will be a long-term (or even season-long) quality answer to one of the main CB spots. But Seattle appeared to be set with his presence after the draft.
Perhaps the team is thinking that Witherspoon will dip back to outside corner more and have a player such as Coby Bryant fill in at times at nickelback. After all, the Seahawks chose Nick Emmanwori in the second round of the draft, and he could play strong safety as Julian Love plays free safety, and Bryant is in the slot. That alignment could help head coach Mike Macdonald disguise his defense.
Seahawks reunite with cornerback Shaquill Griffin
Or maybe the Seahawks had another plan all along. The team met with former Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin in early April, and he had yet to sign anywhere. General manager John Schneider might have been waiting to see what fell in his lap during the draft before re-committing to Griffin.
After no perfect CB was available, Seattle might have found its third corner. Griffin is returning to the team as a free agent and a good player. He won't create many turnovers but will bring some shutdown coverage. His concern would be if he cannot stay healthy.
Sources: Former Pro Bowl CB Shaquill Griffin is signing with the #Seahawks.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 25, 2025
Griffin had 2 INTs and 6 PBUs for the #Vikings last season. pic.twitter.com/VUbePKYlyo
He played a full season for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, starting three games, but the previous season in which he was available for every regular season game was 2018. He played in only five games in 2022 and only 10 in 2023.
Still, when healthy, he is good. Last season, his quarterback rating allowed was a very good 76.2. He allowed 30 of his 52 targets to be completed for two touchdowns, but he also intercepted two passes and broke up two more. He won't be expected to be a CB1, as that task, at least at outside corner, will fall to Woolen. Griffin should be a terrific CB3, though.
Griffin is also good against the run. No details of the contract have been released yet, but it is like the Seahawks will add Griffin on a one-year deal for less than $5 million. We will update this page once the real numbers are known.
Update: According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Griffin will sign with the Seahawks for one year and $3 million.