The Seattle Seahawks committed record-setting money to Devon Witherspoon.
Their next move could involve finding even more ways to turn the cornerback loose.
In a report for ESPN, Brady Henderson identified increased blitzing as one way Witherspoon’s role could grow in 2026 following his success attacking the quarterback during Seattle’s Super Bowl LX victory.
Head coach Mike Macdonald endorsed the idea when asked whether that performance made him inclined to send Witherspoon more often.
“Yes,” Macdonald said.
It would add some attention to a player Seattle just made the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.
Witherspoon agreed to a four-year, $132 million extension earlier this month that includes more than $101 million guaranteed, NFL.com reported. The $33 million average annual value reset the market at his position.
The second-team All-Pro has, by now, solidified his reputation on versatility, physicality and an ability to affect games from different alignments.
Macdonald Has Another Way to Deploy Witherspoon
GettyRENTON, WASHINGTON – FEBRUARY 01: Mike Macdonald as Macdonald speaks to the media as he is named the new head coach of the Seattle Seahawks at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on February 01, 2024 in Renton, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Witherspoon’s workload changed last season as Nick Emmanwori emerged as a major piece of Seattle’s secondary.
ESPN noted that Witherspoon played almost twice as many snaps on the outside as he did in the slot, limiting some of the opportunities he previously had to attack from closer to the formation.
That helped explain why his pass-rush volume dipped. Witherspoon averaged 1.5 pass-rush snaps per regular-season game in 2025, down from 1.9 as a rookie and 2.4 in 2024, according to ESPN.
Regardless, Macdonald found the right time to bring that part of his game back.
Witherspoon had six official pass-rush snaps against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, tied for the most in any game of his career. He generated three pressures, recorded a sack and delivered another hit on Drake Maye that helped produce Uchenna Nwosu’s interception return for a touchdown.
Macdonald told ESPN that Witherspoon’s timing and ability to beat guards and running backs in pass protection are uncommon for a cornerback. The coach also pointed to the flexibility created by having both Witherspoon and Emmanwori capable of playing inside.
That gives Seattle options.
Witherspoon doesn’t have to become a full-time slot defender for his blitzing opportunities to increase, as Macdonald can shift him around wherever and whenever is necessary.
Super Bowl LX Offered Seahawks a Blueprint
GettySeattle Seahawks’ cornerback #21 Devon Witherspoon tackles New England Patriots’ quarterback #10 Drake Maye after he throws the football during Super Bowl LX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 8, 2026. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP via Getty Images)
Seattle often relied on its front to create pressure without sending extra defenders last season.
An ESPN breakdown of Super Bowl LX noted that the Seahawks blitzed on only 20.7% of opposing dropbacks during the regular season, the fifth-lowest rate in the NFL.
Witherspoon’s blitzing usage against New England, therefore, packed a big punch.
Macdonald had gone four consecutive games without sending him on a blitz before the Super Bowl.
Once Seattle unveiled the wrinkle, Maye had to account for a defender who could appear to be in coverage before attacking from the edge or looping inside.
The outcome lended to utilizing that element more in 2026.
Meanwhile, Witherspoons accolades only boost confidence in his ability to get the job done. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three NFL seasons and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2025.
ESPN Research also credited him with 36 passes defended, including the playoffs, tied for 10th among cornerbacks with at least 1,000 coverage plays since he entered the league in 2023.
Since his new contract reflects the complete package rather than one isolated skill, more blitzing just helps Seattle maximize their money spent.
Witherspoon sounded ready for whatever Macdonald has planned.
“Whatever he want me to do, I’m going to be able to do it,” he told ESPN. “So just let me know, Coach.”
Seattle Seahawks $132 Million All-Pro Projected for Expanded Role