Devon Witherspoon just inked a mind-blowing $132 million extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history! If you’re a 12, you know exactly where this story started: the seismic Russell Wilson trade. Four years ago, when the Seahawks sent Russ to Denver, nobody could have predicted the treasure trove of talent that would come back to the Emerald City. Russ’s playing days might be over, but the full effects of that trade? They’re clearly far from finished, and we are absolutely here for it.
The Emerald City’s Newest Franchise Corner Is Here To Stay
What a pick ‘Spoon turned out to be! The Seahawks snagged Witherspoon with the No. 5 overall pick in 2023, a move that honestly raised eyebrows because, let’s be real, Seattle doesn’t often go corner early. It was Pete Carroll’s final season, and while everyone was buzzing about Jalen Carter, the Hawks were wowed by ‘Spoon’s talent. Man, were they right! This dude has been an absolute game-wrecker, racking up three Pro Bowls and earning second-team All-Pro honors in Seattle’s Super Bowl season. Forget chasing gaudy interception stats; Witherspoon is that “force multiplier” every championship defense craves. He covers, he tackles in run support, and he blitzes quarterbacks into pure panic and misery. We owe a huge thank you to the Broncos for cratering in 2022, because that put Seattle in prime position to grab a game-changing, franchise-defining player like Witherspoon. He’s our guy, a true shutdown corner, the kind we haven’t seen since the legendary Richard Sherman!
The Russell Wilson Trade Keeps On Giving
‘Spoon isn’t the only superstar talent from that historic Wilson deal. We’re talking foundational pieces that solidify our lines for years. Remember Charles Cross, the No. 9 overall pick in 2022? He just agreed to a four-year, $104.4 million extension, making him the first first-rounder by John Schneider to get a second deal since Earl Thomas. Cross has shown he’s at least an above-average left tackle, with serious room to grow into one of the league’s best blindside protectors. And the crucial continuity with right tackle Abe Lucas, who locked in his extension before last season started, gives us a rock-solid foundation at both tackle spots. Then there’s Derick Hall, the final piece of the 2023 second-round picks from that trade. He just locked in a three-year, $42 million extension. While it might seem modest, Hall played way better than his two regular season sacks indicated, and his performance in our Super Bowl? Arguably game MVP worthy! Oh, and our current backup quarterback, Drew Lock, also came over in that deal. This trade just keeps showering us with reasons to cheer.
Yeah, the team just took a tough 17-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. That stings, no doubt. But these massive extensions for Witherspoon, Cross, and Hall show the front office is absolutely committed to building a championship roster, locking down critical talent for the long haul. With these guys cemented in, the future of the Seahawks looks undeniably bright, even after a stumble. You know the 12s will be ready to roar for the next game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Field Gulls.
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