Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jul 26

Devon Witherspoon Practices Through 4-Month Extension Delay as Seahawks Eye $31 Million Cornerback Benchmark

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jul 26

Devon Witherspoon Practices Through 4-Month Extension Delay as Seahawks Eye $31 Million Cornerback Benchmark

Q: Will Devon Witherspoon's upbeat attitude last, or is a massive contract standoff secretly brewing behind the scenes in Seattle?

There is no clear sign of a secret standoff yet, but the contract situation is real and could become more delicate if it drags deeper into camp. The strongest evidence points to a player and team still operating normally. Mike Macdonald has publicly said there is no tension, and Witherspoon has continued to practice, participate in offseason work and training camp activities, and interact with fans with his usual energy. That is not how most visible holdouts or hold-ins begin. At the same time, this is not a routine delay. Multiple reports say Seattle made an initial extension offer months ago and that talks have not moved smoothly. Witherspoon is widely expected to seek, or at least approach, the top of the cornerback market, which now sits around $31 million per year after Trent McDuffie’s deal. Christian Gonzalez’s negotiations in New England could also affect the market, especially since the same agency represents both players. The Seahawks still have leverage because Witherspoon has two years left under team control after the fifth-year option was exercised. That lowers the urgency compared with a player entering a contract year. It also makes a trade or full holdout less likely in the near term. So the most likely reading is this: Witherspoon’s upbeat attitude is genuine for now, but the risk of friction rises the longer no deal is reached. Seattle is not facing an obvious crisis today, but it is managing one of the biggest unresolved business stories of its camp.

Q: With running back depth in jeopardy, who will step up if Zach Charbonnet's ACL recovery stalls before the season opener?

Jadarian Price is the most likely answer, with George Holani and Emanuel Wilson next in line if Zach Charbonnet is not ready for the opener. Seattle’s own camp coverage and outside reporting both point to a reshaped backfield while Charbonnet recovers from ACL surgery. The Seahawks are expected to use more of a committee approach this season, and Price — the No. 32 overall pick — appears positioned for a major early role. He arrived with clear draft pedigree and has already been described by the organization as a player they believe can contribute quickly. Holani also looks like a serious candidate for added work. Reports around camp say Seattle is high on him and plans to give him a meaningful share of carries alongside Price. That makes him the most established internal option to absorb snaps if Charbonnet’s recovery stalls. Wilson gives Seattle a different style. The free-agent addition is viewed as the power back in the group, so he could be especially useful in short-yardage and physical situations if the Seahawks need to patch together depth early in the season. There is also some uncertainty behind them. Kenny McIntosh has been dealing with his own injury issues and was placed on the physically unable to perform list ahead of camp, which further raises the importance of Price, Holani and Wilson in the short term. Unless Charbonnet makes a faster-than-expected return, Seattle’s best bet is a three-man rotation led by Price, with Holani and Wilson sharing the load.

1 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 26

Four months after Seattle made its initial extension offer, Devon Witherspoon opened training camp practicing fully and energetically, showing no visible frustration over the unsigned deal.
Mike Macdonald said he has full confidence in the process and called Witherspoon unchanged, saying the star cornerback is "practicing his tail off" as talks continue.
The holdup may reflect the cornerback market: Patriots owner Robert Kraft said New England offered Christian Gonzalez a deal above $31 million annually, which would set a new NFL high for the position.
Elsewhere in camp, Nick Emmanwori is not expected to be out long after ankle surgery and sources expect him back by the Sept. 9 opener, while Zach Charbonnet remains without a timetable after ACL rehab.