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The Seattle Seahawks have one major piece of unfinished business before the 2026 NFL season. Devon Witherspoon is still waiting on a long-term extension, and the two sides do not appear close to a deal. Seattle reportedly made an initial offer, but talks have not progressed the way they did with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who already landed his massive extension. That makes Witherspoon the next big Seahawks contract story.
MORE: Eagles star defender’s injury more serious than initially thought
Dec 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrates after a fumble recovery against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The cornerback is not some replaceable defender. He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection, a former No. 5 overall pick, and one of the standout pieces from Seattle’s Super Bowl LX-winning team. The Seahawks already exercised his fifth-year option, keeping him under contract through 2027, but that does not eliminate the pressure to get something done.
In fact, waiting could make it worse. The cornerback market is not getting cheaper. Trent McDuffie’s deal with the Rams reportedly reached $31 million per year, and other pending cornerback extensions could push the number even higher.
That is the problem for Seattle. Witherspoon is still participating in offseason work, so this is not a full-blown crisis. But the longer this drags into summer, the more attention it will get. Seattle has a recent history of finishing deals during training camp, so there is still time.
This is also the kind of negotiation that can change quickly. A player can participate in spring work, say all the right things and still become a much bigger storyline once training camp arrives. Seattle does not want this hanging over the defense, especially with Witherspoon established as one of the emotional and competitive centerpieces of the roster.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrates with safety Julian Love (20) after an interception against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
But the stakes are obvious. The Seahawks already paid their star receiver. Now they have to decide how quickly they want to lock in their star corner.
Witherspoon helped Seattle win a Super Bowl. Now his next win may have to come at the negotiating table.
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MORE: Eagles star defender’s injury more serious than initially thought
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Dec 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrates after a fumble recovery against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Why Seattle Can’t Afford To Wait
The cornerback is not some replaceable defender. He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection, a former No. 5 overall pick, and one of the standout pieces from Seattle’s Super Bowl LX-winning team. The Seahawks already exercised his fifth-year option, keeping him under contract through 2027, but that does not eliminate the pressure to get something done.
In fact, waiting could make it worse. The cornerback market is not getting cheaper. Trent McDuffie’s deal with the Rams reportedly reached $31 million per year, and other pending cornerback extensions could push the number even higher.
The Situation Could Become A Bigger Story
That is the problem for Seattle. Witherspoon is still participating in offseason work, so this is not a full-blown crisis. But the longer this drags into summer, the more attention it will get. Seattle has a recent history of finishing deals during training camp, so there is still time.
This is also the kind of negotiation that can change quickly. A player can participate in spring work, say all the right things and still become a much bigger storyline once training camp arrives. Seattle does not want this hanging over the defense, especially with Witherspoon established as one of the emotional and competitive centerpieces of the roster.
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Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) celebrates with safety Julian Love (20) after an interception against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Next Major Decision For The Seahawks
But the stakes are obvious. The Seahawks already paid their star receiver. Now they have to decide how quickly they want to lock in their star corner.
Witherspoon helped Seattle win a Super Bowl. Now his next win may have to come at the negotiating table.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
