The Seattle Seahawks appear to be nearing a deal with former Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
Devon Witherspoon's rapid ascension from Champaign to the NFL has been an incredible ride for the former Illini star, but it's still only getting started.
Four years ago, Witherspoon was named the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and earned All-American honors while leading Illinois' secondary. Today, the 25-year-old cornerback is a Super Bowl Champion and one of the NFL's best at his position.
He now appears primed to be rewarded for his performance on the field. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Witherspoon and the Seattle Seahawks are nearing a contract extension that would keep the defensive back in the Pacific Northwest long-term and compensate him with the most expensive deal for a cornerback in NFL history.
"My understanding is the Seahawks and Witherspoon have been in intense negotiations for the last several months on a deal that will almost certainly make him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL," Rapoport said on Wednesday. "Currently, it's $31 million per year in new money; $32 million per year would be the new benchmark for Devon Witherspoon. Would be very surprised if a deal doesn't end up around there for the Seahawks star, really just a matter of the two sides agreeing on a number and getting this deal done."
Feb 11, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerbackDevonWitherspoon(21) before the Super Bowl LX trophy presentation at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Trent McDuffie currently holds the title of highest-paid cornerback after signing a four-year, $124 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks exercised Witherspoon's fifth-year option this spring, meaning the former Illini DB is under contract through the 2027 season. However, after Witherspoon helped the Seahawks secure their second Super Bowl in franchise history this past season, the team seems determined to ensure one of its most essential defenders stays in Seattle.
Witherspoon is set to make $10.1 million this season and $21.2 million in 2027 on his current deal.
Under head coach Lovie Smith, Witherspoon started as a true freshman for the Illini in 2019. He kept developing his game under Bret Bielema and logged a stellar 2022 season as Illinois went 8-5.
The Seahawks noticed, selecting Witherspoon with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and making him the highest-drafted Illini since 1996.
His NFL career has been strong from the start. Witherspoon has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons and was named a Second Team All-Pro in 2025. This season, Witherspoon helped lead one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history and power the Seahawks to a 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Across 43 professional games, Witherspoon has logged 249 tackles, 16 tackles-for-loss, two interceptions, a pick-six, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
