The Seattle Seahawks weren't exactly fretting about Devon Witherspoon's training camp participation while the two parties continue working on a long-term contract negotiation. The deal, whenever it finally gets done, is expected, nevertheless, so it makes sense that the three-time Pro Bowler was on the field.
The Seahawks would do well to have everyone participate during training camp, considering the importance of the season ahead. They are defending their championship and have a very high chance of doing so. The fact that Witherspoon showed up is great news, but also business as usual.
That said, it does instill encouragement for Seahawks fans and Witherspoon's teammates while the negotiations take their time. If you were to ask the rest of the Seahawks team, they aren't worried about Witherspoon or his contract. Furthermore, if you ask his head coach, Mike Macdonald isn't losing any sleep; he's trusting the process.
Seattle Seahawks' Mike Macdonald is happy to have Devon Witherspoon in uniform despite contract situation
Witherspoon is expected to sign a potentially record-setting contract extension with the Seahawks. The deal would ultimately make him the NFL's highest-paid cornerback, surpassing another elite, Super Bowl-winning cornerback, the Los Angeles Rams' Trent McDuffie.
The former Kansas City Chiefs star will make $31 million this season, and the Seahawks are likely to get Witherspoon over that mark.
While the contract talks continue, training camp rolled out this week in Seattle, and Witherspoon was reportedly his usual self and appeared fully engaged during Saturday's practice. Macdonald was there to see it, and his comments after the day was over show his trust and confidence in his bosses, as well as what he loves seeing from his cornerback.
“I couldn’t have any more confidence in our process and all the people involved in the whole operation,” Macdonald said. “I think that’s the best way to describe it – just really confident right now in where we are, and in Spoon and all his people, and the way that we do business.
“And Spoon’s doing a great job,” he added. “He’s practicing his tail off. He’s the same guy. Nothing’s changed. So really, we’re just operating as usual right now.”
Again, it's not surprising that Witherspoon showed up, but it goes to show that it's just a matter of time before an extension gets agreed upon. It's safe to assume that Witherspoon, his agent, and the Seahawks front office want and are expected to put pen to paper, and there should be no surprises there.
Otherwise, Witherspoon might not be so keen on showing up to camp if there were significant complications.
Seahawks fans don't have anything to worry about. Macdonald doesn't seem shaky, and that's another point of positivity. Witherspoon appears confident, and so does Macdonald. Then again, confidence runs through these Seahawks' DNA. We saw it all last season, and we're soon to see more of it.
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