The Seattle Seahawks are officially back on the field at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, and while the glow of their Super Bowl LX victory remains bright, the front office is already pivoting toward the future. As OTAs ramp up this week, the primary storyline in the Pacific Northwest isn't just about a title defense—it’s about securing the cornerstone of the defense. A Devon Witherspoon extension has moved to the top of General Manager John Schneider’s priority list as the team looks to solidify its secondary for the long haul.
The State of the Devon Witherspoon Extension
Entering his fourth NFL season, Devon Witherspoon has more than lived up to his status as a former top-five pick. The Seahawks have already taken the procedural step of exercising his fifth-year option for the 2027 season, which carries a fully guaranteed $21.16 million salary. However, both sides are reportedly eager to tear up the rookie deal in favor of a long-term blockbuster extension before training camp begins in July.
Witherspoon’s resume through three seasons is nearly peerless. A three-time Pro Bowler and a 2025 Second-Team All-Pro, he was the heartbeat of Mike Macdonald’s top-ranked scoring defense last season. His ability to impact the game as a lockdown perimeter corner, a physical nickel defender, and a high-level blitzer has made him the most versatile defensive weapon in the league.
Setting the Cornerback Market
The urgency for a Devon Witherspoon extension is driven in part by a rapidly inflating market for non-quarterback superstars. The cornerback hierarchy was recently reset by Trent McDuffie, who signed a record-breaking $31 million per year pact with the rival Los Angeles Rams. Witherspoon’s representatives at CAA Football are expected to use that deal as a floor rather than a ceiling.
Industry insiders suggest that Witherspoon is targeting a contract that bridges the gap between the elite cornerback tier and the massive deals recently handed out to pass rushers. While he may not reach the $50 million annual average of Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr., a deal in the $32 million to $35 million per year range is well within the realm of possibility. Seattle has a history of paying its premium homegrown talent early, as evidenced by the recent extensions for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and left tackle Charles Cross.
Defending the Title: Roster Continuity and Changes
As the Seahawks begin their OTA sessions, the roster looks slightly different than the one that hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in February. The team faced several difficult financial decisions this spring, leading to the departures of key contributors:
- Kenneth Walker III: The Super Bowl MVP signed a lucrative three-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Riq Woolen: The former Pro Bowl corner joined the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year "prove-it" contract.
- Boye Mafe: The productive edge rusher signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency.
Despite these losses, the Seahawks return nine of their 11 defensive starters. The re-signing of veteran DeMarcus Lawrence and the continued development of young talent like Nehemiah Pritchett—who is expected to compete for Woolen’s vacated spot—provides Mike Macdonald with the depth needed to maintain defensive dominance.
Key Observations from the VMAC
Beyond the contract talks, several other notes have emerged from the first week of voluntary workouts. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, coming off an Offensive Player of the Year campaign where he led the league with 1,793 receiving yards, looks even more explosive in year three. His presence allows the Seahawks' offense to remain a vertical threat even as they transition to a new lead running back following Walker's exit.
On the defensive side, linebacker Ernest Jones IV has emerged as a vocal leader following his own contract extension. Head coach Mike Macdonald noted that the team’s familiarity with his complex defensive system has allowed for a much faster pace during these early spring sessions compared to this time last year.
What’s Next for Seattle?
The Seahawks will continue their OTA schedule through early June, followed by a mandatory minicamp. All eyes will remain on the front office to see if they can finalize the Devon Witherspoon extension before the team breaks for the summer. With the cornerback market only expected to rise as players like Sauce Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr. approach their own negotiations, the Seahawks would be wise to "cut the check" sooner rather than later to avoid a training camp holdout from their defensive anchor.
Sources & Original Reporting
