The NFL’s top players often set records when they agree to new contracts. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon achieved this by becoming the league’s highest-paid cornerback.

On Saturday, Witherspoon agreed to a four-year contract worth $132 million. This deal includes over $101 million in guarantees, making him the highest-paid player at his position both now and historically.

Contract Figures and Comparisons

Witherspoon’s agreement will provide an average of $33 million per season. This annual average surpasses the $31 million per season contract of Denzel Ward from the Cleveland Browns finalized last month.

During his career, Witherspoon has achieved Pro Bowl selections in all three of his NFL seasons. His earnings are now greater than those of many wide receivers and quarterbacks he defends against. For context, Witherspoon’s annual average salary exceeds the $22 million that Aaron Rodgers receives from the Pittsburgh Steelers and the $11.3 million that Kirk Cousins obtains from the Las Vegas Raiders.

Although Baker Mayfield’s deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offers $33.3 million annually, Witherspoon’s total guarantees stand at $101 million, doubling Mayfield’s $50 million in guarantees.

While Witherspoon’s deal approaches quarterback figures, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold’s contract averages $33.5 million per season with $55 million in guarantees. In comparison, Witherspoon’s guarantees are significantly higher.

Future Prospects

The business of the NFL continues to prosper, as seen in these contract agreements. With Witherspoon’s new contract, another deal involving a cornerback is on the horizon.

The New England Patriots and cornerback Christian Gonzalez have been in contract negotiations for several months. Patriots owner Robert Kraft has expressed intentions to make Gonzalez the highest-paid cornerback. It was uncertain which team would finalize a contract first, but Witherspoon and the Seahawks completed theirs sooner.

As the runner-up, Gonzalez now aims to surpass Witherspoon’s record-setting contract. The NFL’s elite players often secure larger deals with each subsequent contract.