Seahawks' Devon Witherspoon Set for Massive Extension After Trent McDuffie Deal

Witherspoon's market value skyrockets after Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie signs record-breaking contract with Rams.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Seattle Seahawks are facing a critical decision regarding the future of star cornerback Devon Witherspoon. After the Los Angeles Rams traded for and signed Trent McDuffie to a four-year, $124 million extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, Witherspoon's value has soared. Witherspoon, a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is poised to command a similar or even higher annual salary than McDuffie.

Why it matters

Witherspoon has emerged as one of the league's elite cornerbacks, and the Seahawks must decide whether to extend him now or let him play out his contract. This decision will have major implications for the team's salary cap and ability to retain other key players, including star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

The details

Witherspoon was drafted 5th overall by the Seahawks in 2023 and has more than lived up to the hype. He started his career as the team's slot cornerback but has since become one of the top outside corners in the league. Witherspoon is currently the 28th highest-paid cornerback, but his performance and the recent record-breaking deal for McDuffie suggest he could command an annual salary of $30 million or more.

  • Witherspoon was drafted by the Seahawks in 2023.
  • Witherspoon is entering the final year of his four-year, $31.8 million rookie contract.
  • The Rams traded for and signed Trent McDuffie to a four-year, $124 million extension in March 2026.

The players

Devon Witherspoon

A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, Witherspoon is one of the league's elite defensive backs.

Trent McDuffie

A two-time Pro Bowl cornerback who was traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Los Angeles Rams and signed a record-breaking four-year, $124 million extension.

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, who must decide whether to extend Witherspoon's contract or let him play out the final year of his rookie deal.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Seahawks' star wide receiver who is also extension eligible and seeking to be paid among the top receivers in the league.

Nick Emmanwori

The Seahawks' rookie cornerback who has emerged as a starter alongside Witherspoon, allowing Witherspoon to move to the outside cornerback position.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Seahawks must decide whether to extend Witherspoon's contract now or let him play out the final year of his rookie deal. This decision will have major implications for the team's salary cap and ability to retain other key players.

The takeaway

Witherspoon's emergence as one of the league's elite cornerbacks, coupled with the record-breaking contract for Trent McDuffie, has set the stage for a potentially massive extension for the Seahawks star. The team must carefully weigh the long-term implications of this decision as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the NFC West.