Devon Witherspoon will not be turned from the “Dark Side.”

The Seattle Seahawks‘ three-time Pro Bowler agreed, according to multiple reports, to a record contract extension on Saturday, Aug. 15. Witherspoon, a crucial component of Seattle’s stingy defense, landed a four-year, $132 million contract − it includes more $101 million guaranteed − making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. For the moment.

Seattle surrendered the fewest points in the NFL last season and largely rode its “Dark Side” defense to a victory in Super Bowl 60 as the franchise captured its second Lombardi Trophy.

The fifth overall selection of the 2023 draft, Witherspoon has been an impact player from the moment he set foot on an NFL field − though opposing quarterbacks don’t test him all that often. He has just two career interceptions and 32 pass break-ups. The top-rated cornerback in the league in 2025, per the analytics website PFF, Witherspoon spends roughly half of his snaps in the ever-valuable slot position. His ability to blitz and defend the run − he’s averaged 83 tackles per season − distinguishes him among his peers.

What did Devon Witherspoon say about his contract negotiations?

Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald has routinely praised Witherspoon’s leadership, physicality and willingness to practice amid the recent negotiations regarding his compensation.

“We got a long season ahead of us, contract or not,” Witherspoon said last week regarding his decision to participate in training camp rather than hold in.

“We still got to play football at the end of the day. We have to be out there and be prepared. If you’re not practicing, you’re not getting ready for the season because everybody else in the league is practicing and they’re getting better. That’s where my mind is at right now. I’m focused on what I need to do right now, I’m not really worried about anything else.”

“Spoon” is also a valuable holdover after Seahawks DBs Riq Woolen and Coby Bryant left earlier this year during free agency. The team did recently agree to sign former Lions corner Terrion Arnold.

Devon Witherspoon’s contract good news for Christian Gonzalez

Witherspoon’s extension almost certainly means New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, despite being on the wrong end of the Super Bowl 60 matchup with Witherspoon, will soon agree to a pact that will surpass his Seattle counterpart. Gonzalez has been absent from practice and missed the preseason opener as he awaits a deal.

Who are the NFL’s top-paid cornerbacks

Witherspoon’s new deal will average $33 million per season, allowing him to overtake the Cleveland Browns’ Denzel Ward ($31.1 million) as the corner with the highest average annual compensation. Witherspoon’s $132 million pact and $101+ million guarantee also eclipse the Los Angeles Rams’ Trent McDuffie ($124 million, $100M guaranteed) for total value.

▶ Devon Witherspoon: 4 years, $132 million ($101M+ guaranteed)

▶ Trent McDuffie: 4 years, $124 million ($100M guaranteed)

▶ Sauce Gardner: 4 years, $120.4 million ($85.4M guaranteed)

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