Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon has become the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, agreeing to a four-year contract extension valued at $132 million. The deal includes over $101 million in guarantees, a significant figure that highlights his importance to the team.
Witherspoon's new contract boasts an annual average of $33 million, surpassing the $31 million per season previously secured by Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns. This significant raise places Witherspoon's earnings above many starting quarterbacks and wide receivers in the league.
For context, Witherspoon's annual average exceeds that of quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who earns $22 million annually, and Kirk Cousins with the Las Vegas Raiders, at $11.3 million annually. While Baker Mayfield's deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers averages $33.3 million, Witherspoon's total guarantees of $101 million are more than double Mayfield's $50 million in guarantees. Even Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold's contract averages $33.5 million with $55 million in guarantees, a figure Witherspoon significantly eclipses in guaranteed money.
Witherspoon, a Pro Bowl selection in each of his three NFL seasons, has established himself as a premier defensive player. His contract reflects his impact on the field, tasked with covering opposing wide receivers and quarterbacks.
The lucrative deal for Witherspoon also signals a potential shift in the cornerback market. Negotiations between the New England Patriots and cornerback Christian Gonzalez have been ongoing, with Patriots owner Robert Kraft previously stating the team intended to make Gonzalez the highest-paid cornerback. Witherspoon's agreement means Gonzalez will now likely aim to exceed Witherspoon's terms in his own upcoming contract.
This trend underscores the escalating business of the NFL, where top-tier players consistently set new financial benchmarks with their contract extensions.