Seahawks Sign #5 Overall Pick, CB Devon Witherspoon, to 4-Year, Fully-Guaranteed $31.86M Rookie Contract with $20.17M Signing Bonus
In a significant move that will bolster their defense for years to come, the Seattle Seahawks have officially signed their 2023 first-round draft pick, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, to a four-year rookie contract worth a total of $31.86 million. The deal is fully guaranteed and includes a massive signing bonus of $20.17 million, making Witherspoon one of the highest-paid rookies in the league.
This deal represents the Seahawks’ commitment to building a formidable defense, as Witherspoon is widely regarded as one of the most talented cornerbacks to enter the NFL in recent years. His addition to the team comes as the Seahawks look to bolster their secondary, which has been a focus of improvement over the past few seasons.
Devon Witherspoon was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, marking a significant step in the team’s pursuit of defensive excellence. Witherspoon, who played college football at Illinois, earned a reputation as one of the most dominant cornerbacks in the country. Known for his lockdown coverage skills, playmaking ability, and physicality, Witherspoon is expected to make an immediate impact on Seattle’s defense.
During his time at Illinois, Witherspoon was a consensus All-American and a standout performer in the Big Ten Conference. In his final season with the Fighting Illini, he recorded three interceptions, 14 pass breakups, and consistently shut down top-tier wide receivers. His ability to read the quarterback, react quickly to the ball, and make critical tackles set him apart from many of his peers in the draft class.
Witherspoon’s ability to cover wide receivers in both man and zone schemes makes him a versatile asset for the Seahawks. His strong football IQ and instinctive playing style will allow him to quickly adapt to Seattle’s defensive system, which has been one of the most respected in the NFL over the past decade.
This deal solidifies Witherspoon’s place in Seattle’s future and underscores the team’s long-term commitment to building a dominant defense. The Seahawks have always been known for their stout defense, particularly during the heyday of the “Legion of Boom,” which was spearheaded by cornerbacks like Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas. Witherspoon’s signing is a step toward returning to that level of defensive dominance.
The addition of Witherspoon is especially crucial for the Seahawks, who have been working to strengthen their secondary in recent years. Last season, Seattle’s pass defense ranked in the middle of the pack in terms of total yards allowed, but Witherspoon’s arrival is expected to bring a new level of intensity and coverage ability to the cornerback group. Alongside veteran players like Tariq Woolen and Quandre Diggs, Witherspoon’s arrival could help form one of the most dynamic defensive backfields in the league.
Moreover, Witherspoon’s skills will allow the Seahawks to be more flexible in their defensive schemes. His coverage ability on the outside will enable the team to mix man-to-man coverage with zone looks, providing defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt with the freedom to be more creative in his playcalling. Witherspoon’s aggressiveness and physicality also make him an asset in run support, which could help the Seahawks better defend against both the pass and the run.
The terms of Witherspoon’s rookie contract are a reflection of his status as the fifth overall pick in the draft. The four-year, fully-guaranteed $31.86 million deal includes a signing bonus of $20.17 million, one of the largest bonuses given to a rookie in recent memory.
The fully-guaranteed nature of the contract provides Witherspoon with security and financial stability, ensuring that he will remain with the Seahawks for at least the first four years of his career. The signing bonus is a reflection of the high expectations the team has for Witherspoon, and it’s clear that the Seahawks are banking on his development into one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL.
The contract structure allows Witherspoon to hit the ground running, with the signing bonus likely providing him with significant upfront compensation. This financial commitment also signals Seattle’s long-term investment in Witherspoon’s development and his place in the team’s future success.
Witherspoon’s signing is a critical move in the Seahawks’ ongoing efforts to re-establish themselves as one of the NFL’s elite defensive teams. For years, Seattle has focused on building a solid defensive line and linebacker corps, and now, with Witherspoon in the fold, the team has added a dynamic playmaker to its secondary.
The addition of Witherspoon immediately upgrades Seattle’s ability to defend against some of the most explosive passing offenses in the league. With the AFC West and NFC West being home to top-tier quarterbacks and wide receivers, the Seahawks needed a cornerback who could match up with the best. Witherspoon’s skills make him a key player in Seattle’s efforts to neutralize potent passing attacks like those of the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Witherspoon’s presence will also help develop young talent around him. His leadership, work ethic, and football IQ will set a positive example for other defensive backs and players on the team. Additionally, the defensive line and pass rushers will benefit from Witherspoon’s ability to lock down receivers, potentially allowing the pass rush to get more time to get to the quarterback.
With his rookie contract signed and secured, Devon Witherspoon is now ready to begin his NFL journey with the Seahawks. His talent is undeniable, and expectations are high as he enters his first season in the NFL. Seahawks fans are eager to see how he develops and contributes to the team’s defense.
If Witherspoon can live up to the hype and show the same level of dominance he displayed in college, he has the potential to become one of the top cornerbacks in the league. With the support of the coaching staff and his new teammates, Witherspoon will look to make an immediate impact and help lead the Seahawks back to prominence as a top defensive team.
The Seahawks have made a significant investment in their defense, and Devon Witherspoon is poised to be a cornerstone of that investment. As the 2025 season approaches, Witherspoon will play a critical role in shaping the Seahawks’ defensive identity, and fans are anxiously awaiting to see what he can do on the field.
With the signing of Witherspoon, the Seahawks have made it clear: they are committed to building a championship-caliber defense, and the future is looking bright for the young cornerback and his new team.