Devon Witherspoon is emerging as a leader for Seahawks

As Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald prepares to officially begin his tenure as the organization’s lead man this Sunday, identifying who his leaders in the locker room are is crucial to his acclimation process. It’s often your best players that shoulder the most responsibility. As the Seahawks went searching for a successor to Bobby Wagner’s leadership this offseason, a candidate quickly emerged in sophomore cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

“He’s realizing he has influence, and the guys listen to him,” Macdonald recently told Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. “He’s [Witherspoon] a guy we hope that grows into a legendary Seahawks player for a long time around here that people look to.”

The Seahawks do not possess many tenured players on Macdonald’s defense following Wager’s second departure. Both off-ball linebackers are first-year starters acquired through free agency. Witherspoon, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, is taking charge.

Witherspoon was electric throughout his first season. The former Fighting Illini standout recorded 79 tackles, 16 pass breakups, three sacks, and one interception throughout the 2023 season. Witherspoon is expected to improve his numbers this year as he prepares to play a versatile role in Macdonald’s creative defense, one that does an excellent job simulating pressure.

The Seahawks possess legitimate postseason aspirations this season. Having appropriate leaders in place to help navigate the locker room through difficult stretches is key to meeting expectations. It’s terrific news for Macdonald’s Seahawks that Witherspoon is growing into a leader.