Sources: Seahawks and No. 5 Pick CB Devon Witherspoon Agree to 4-Year, $31.86M Contract
The Seattle Seahawks have reached an agreement with cornerback Devon Witherspoon, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, on a 4-year, fully-guaranteed rookie contract worth $31.86 million, according to sources. The deal also includes a $20.17 million signing bonus, cementing Witherspoon’s status as one of the premier additions to Seattle’s roster.
This contract ensures Witherspoon is ready to make an immediate impact for a Seahawks team aiming to reestablish defensive dominance. It also marks a significant investment in one of the most exciting prospects from this year’s draft class.
Devon Witherspoon’s rise to a top-five draft pick is nothing short of remarkable. A native of Pensacola, Florida, Witherspoon played his college football at the University of Illinois, where he quickly became a cornerstone of the Fighting Illini defense.
In 2022, Witherspoon earned unanimous All-American honors and was named the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year. His ability to shut down elite receivers and his physical style of play caught the attention of NFL scouts.
Beyond the numbers, Witherspoon displayed an instinctive feel for the game, exceptional footwork, and a competitive edge that set him apart. His talent made him the highest-drafted cornerback in Seahawks history, and expectations are sky-high as he transitions to the NFL
The Seahawks have long been known for their defensive prowess, especially in the secondary. From the Legion of Boom days led by Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor to the emergence of stars like Tariq Woolen, Seattle has consistently valued elite defensive backs.
Witherspoon’s aggressive play style and versatility make him a perfect fit for head coach Pete Carroll’s defensive scheme. He excels in press coverage, has the speed to keep up with top-tier receivers, and isn’t afraid to make tackles in the run game.
Paired with Woolen, who had a standout rookie season in 2022, Witherspoon has the potential to form one of the NFL’s most formidable cornerback duos. Carroll praised Witherspoon during training camp, saying, “He brings a level of competitiveness and playmaking ability that we love. He’s exactly the kind of player we want in our secondary.”
Witherspoon’s 4-year, $31.86 million contract is fully guaranteed, reflecting the Seahawks’ confidence in their new star. The deal also includes a $20.17 million signing bonus, giving Witherspoon financial security as he begins his professional career.
For Seattle, this contract locks in a foundational player on a cost-controlled deal for four seasons. The rookie wage scale allows teams to allocate resources to other areas while developing young stars like Witherspoon.
With his contract now finalized, Witherspoon can fully focus on preparing for the upcoming season. Training camp and preseason games will provide opportunities for him to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
While rookies often face a learning curve, Witherspoon’s skill set and work ethic suggest he’s ready to contribute immediately. He is expected to start opposite Woolen, giving Seattle a young, dynamic duo capable of matching up against the league’s best passing attacks.
Adding Witherspoon to the roster strengthens a Seahawks defense that has shown promise but lacked consistency in recent years. His ability to shut down receivers in man coverage allows Seattle to be more aggressive with blitz packages, freeing up the front seven to generate pressure.
Witherspoon’s presence also elevates the entire secondary. Safeties Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams will benefit from having two lockdown corners, allowing them to focus on disrupting the middle of the field and providing run support.
The agreement between Devon Witherspoon and the Seattle Seahawks is a win-win for both parties. Witherspoon secures a lucrative rookie deal, while the Seahawks gain a cornerstone player who can help transform their defense.
As the No. 5 overall pick, Witherspoon carries high expectations, but his college performance and intangibles suggest he’s more than capable of living up to the hype. Seahawks fans have every reason to be excited as Witherspoon begins his journey in the Pacific Northwest.
If Witherspoon lives up to his potential, this signing could mark the beginning of a new golden era for Seattle’s secondary—one reminiscent of the legendary Legion of Boom.