The Seattle Seahawks training camp began on July 22 despite the team keeping one of its rookie players selected in the 2023 NFL Draft unsigned. The last remaining pick Devon Witherspoon is now officially a Seahawks after they have reached a deal with the rookie cornerback.
After getting a deal that should allow him to remain in Seattle for the next four years, Witherspoon reportedly joined the teams’ training camp after missing the first two days.
Devon Witherspoon joins the first training session
Since Carroll and Schneider took over the Seahawks in 2010, Witherspoon was the franchise’s highest draft pick, and as a result, the head coach of the team was questioned about the late Witherspoon contract. The coach responded by saying, “Be here very soon,” and he seems to have stuck to his word. The rookie player gets back to NFL training camp right after signing a contract.
Because of not having a contract, he reportedly skipped the first two days of camp but participated in the spring workouts. Following the adoption of the rookie salary scale, it has become mandatory for draft picks to join sessions during training camp; but because he wasn’t under contract, he wasn’t penalized.
Devon Witherspoon’s $32M contract details
The Pensacola native was selected by the Seahawks with the fifth overall pick in this year’s draft. The team apparently waited a short while to sign him because apparently Devon wanted 100% of the signing bonus upfront but the Seahawks only intended to pay up to 75%.
Even though it was late, it was not fruitless at least because the Seahawks offered him a rookie contract for $31.86 million over four years. The rookie contract for the 22-year-olds contains a signing bonus of $20.17 million though that wasn’t the value that was being debated. Additionally, as is customary for first-round players, his contract includes a fifth-year team option.
Prior to that, Witherspoon played college football for the University of Illinois, where his senior season saw him earn All-American accolades for his 41 tackles, 17 passes deflections, and three interceptions.
With Tariq Woolen, the rookie cornerback is now expected to play a key role in Seattle’s secondary, and together they could form an explosive outside cornerback duo.
