Devon Witherspoon signs full-guaranteed deal with Seattle Seahawks

Former Illinois football star Devon Witherspoon is about to join his Seattle Seahawks teammates at training camp.

It was a glorious 2023 NFL Draft for Illini fans, as four players heard their names called. The highest pick ended up being Witherspoon.

With pick No. 5, the Seahawks selected the ball-hawking cornerback from Illinois. It was amazing seeing Witherspoon go that high considering Illinois hasn’t had a player selected in the top five since the 1996 NFL Draft.

There were 259 players drafted, and while Witherspoon ended up being selected No. 5 overall, he was also the last drafted player to sign his rookie deal.

Devon Witherspoon is cashing in and starting a legacy with the Seattle Seahawks

All great things come to those who wait. Witherspoon waited on his rookie contract, and on Friday afternoon, NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported that he has inked his deal with the Seahawks.

The deal is for four years, $31.85 million, and the best part about the contract is the fact that it is all guaranteed. There was also a little $20.17 million signing bonus to added as well.

Opinion

This is the first of a few big-time contracts Witherspoon is going to sign during his career. He plays a premier position, and if he performs well in his first contract, there is a massive deal waiting at the end of the rainbow.

Look for Witherspoon to make an impact on the Seattle franchise from day one. He is projected to be a starting cornerback, and this will give him the opportunity to shine.

Witherspoon was a much-needed addition to the Seahawks as well. Seattle finished with the No. 23 ranked defense in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus, with a grade of 64.7. Their coverage defense was one of the areas weighing them down, as they had a grade of 63.5, which also ranked No. 23 in the league.

This is the start of something special in Seattle. Witherspoon has had a chip on his shoulder for years. He has always been doubted. He was a zero-star recruit. Now he has cashed in and is ready to prove that he is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.