Devon Witherspoon Sets Record with New Seahawks Contract

In the world of NFL contracts, the best players routinely set new standards both on the field and financially. Seattle Seahawks cornerback, Devon Witherspoon, exemplified this trend by becoming the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history as of Saturday.

Witherspoon signed a four-year contract valued at $132 million, including guarantees exceeding $101 million. This deal not only establishes him as the top earner at his position today but also throughout NFL history.

Previously, Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns led cornerback salaries with an annual average of $31 million. Witherspoon’s agreement averages $33 million per year, surpassing Ward’s contract.

Witherspoon has been a Pro Bowl selection in each of his three NFL seasons. His new contract exceeds the average yearly earnings of several quarterbacks. For example, Aaron Rodgers from the Pittsburgh Steelers averages $22 million annually, while Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders earns $11.3 million per year.

In comparison, Baker Mayfield’s deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stands at $33.3 million annually but guarantees a lesser total of $50 million compared to Witherspoon’s $101 million.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has a contract similar in average annual value, totaling $33.5 million per season with $55 million guaranteed. Witherspoon’s guarantee surpasses that significantly.

This lucrative deal indicates the NFL’s robust business environment. Another substantial contract in the cornerback market seems imminent.

The New England Patriots and cornerback Christian Gonzalez continue negotiations, aiming to craft a deal that might surpass Witherspoon’s. Patriots owner Robert Kraft has expressed intentions to make Gonzalez the highest-paid cornerback in the league.

As Witherspoon and the Seahawks finalized their contract first, Gonzalez now seeks to outdo Witherspoon’s terms, continuing the trend of ever-increasing NFL player salaries.