As Devon Witherspoon nears a record-breaking extension, Seattle’s head coach remains unfazed by the high-stakes negotiations, citing total faith in the process while his star corner dominates camp.
There's about a 50 percent chance Devon Witherspoon becomes the NFL's highest-paid cornerback quite soon.
And that probability figure isn't due to a lack of willingness on the Seattle Seahawks' side of things, nor is it backed by rumblings of difficulties in the negotiation process.
It’s because Witherspoon is one of two defensive backs likely to claim that title soon — and which one gets there first depends on whose deal is completed first.
Whether it's Witherspoon or New England Patriots All-Pro DB Christian Gonzalez ... who each are clients of Elite One Sports Management's Reggie Johnson ... that gets paid first, the Seahawks' lead man isn't worried.
When Seattle opened training camp Saturday, Witherspoon signed autographs for fans while Mike Macdonald’s 20-month-old son, Jack, roamed the field wearing the star cornerback’s No. 21 jersey.
Macdonald assured ESPN's Brady Henderson that he's untroubled by his shutdown corner's contract negotiations.
"I can tell you this: I couldn't have any more confidence in our process and all the people involved in the whole operation," Macdonald said when asked for an update on Witherspoon's potential new deal. "I think that's the best way to describe it. I'm just really confident right now in where we are, in Spoon and all his people and the way we do business, so I'm just confident."
As for Witherspoon himself? He's not allowing the looming payday to impact his typical training camp routine.
"And Spoon's doing a great job. He's practicing his tail off. He's the same guy. Nothing's changed. So really, we're just operating as usual right now," Macdonald continued.
That confidence is notable considering Seattle reportedly made its initial offer several weeks ago.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport previously described the proposal as being "upward" of $30 million annually, placing Witherspoon among the highest-paid cornerbacks in football.
The number required to claim the top spot has since increased.
Trent McDuffie received a four-year, $124 million extension from the Los Angeles Rams, establishing a new benchmark at $31 million per season. That figure now gives Seattle and Witherspoon a clear target as they attempt to complete their own agreement.
The wait may continue until either Witherspoon or Gonzalez gives Johnson the leverage created by finalizing the first deal.
But Macdonald's comments — and Witherspoon's unchanged approach to practice —suggest the negotiations haven't created a distraction.
For now ... Seattle's confidence appears to be matched by its star cornerback's patience.
