​Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
On Saturday, we learned the news that Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon inked a contract extension with the franchise. Seattle signed the 25-year-old to a four-year extension for $132 million, with$101 million guaranteed. For more NFL breakdowns, check out this article by us here.This extension makes Witherspoon the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL on average annual salary. Placing him $1.9 million above Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward, who just signed his extension on July 29th. Upon this extension being announced, it raises this question: why did the Seahawks extend Witherspoon this early?Devon Witherspoon’s Rookie Season Proved He Was Worth The 5th Overall Pick
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) walks off the field after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field.
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Witherspoon being selected fifth overall in the 2023 NFL draft came with a lot of heavy expectations. Along with being the second first-round pick Seattle acquired as part of the Russell Wilson trade.​This layered another amount of pressure and expectations for the former Illinois defensive back to be everything he was hyped to be and more. Witherspoon came in and delivered a stellar rookie season.​Witherspoon produced 79 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, one interception, and 16 pass breakups. He ranked top 10 in total tackles, tackles for loss, and pass breakups out of 129 qualifying cornerbacks. His coverage stats came out to be impressive as well, while his catch rate allowed wasn’t anything special at 62.8 percent, ranking 60th in the league. Along with a total EPA of -43.23, ranking 60th among qualifying cornerbacks.​Witherspoon finished with 5.6 yards per target allowed, ranking 11th in the NFL during this season. Seattle’s first-round pick wasn’t just good for a rookie; he was already being recognized as one of the more premier corners in the game.​Witherspoon recorded an 84.1 PFF grade, ranking fourth among all corners in the entire league. His ability to dominate both in the nickel and as a boundary corner right away earned him a Pro Bowl nod and finishing fourth in defensive rookie of the year voting.Devon Witherspoon’s 2024 Season Showed His Continued Growth 
Sep 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrates with teammates following a fourth down stop against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
In the 2024 season, Witherspoon took another step forward, producing 98 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, zero interceptions, and 9 pass breakups. He ranked in the top nine for total tackles and tackles for loss out of 125 qualifying defensive backs. His covera