Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald discussed on "Inside Training Camp" how the team will manage expectations after winning Super Bowl LX.
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon wants a new long-term contract, but that is not his main focus right now. In his first chat with reporters since Seattle's Super Bowl LX victory, Witherspoon said he is taking part in training camp so he is ready for the title defense.
"We've got a long season ahead of us, man, contract or not," he said, via ESPN. "We've still got to play football at the end of the day, and we've got to be out there and be prepared. If you're not practicing, you're not getting ready for the season because everybody else in the league is practicing and they're getting better.
"That's where my mind is at right now. I'm focusing on what I need to do right now. I'm not really worried about anything else."
Hold-ins have become the trendy move for players seeking new contracts. A hold-in avoids fines for missing action but puts pressure on clubs to get key players on the field before games begin to matter. Witherspoon has chosen not to hold in and has taken part in all of training camp.
The Seahawks signed Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the richest contract for a receiver earlier this offseason before turning their attention to Witherspoon. The talks with the cornerback have not gone as well, with the sides unable to find common ground.
Witherspoon is not worried about a deal getting done, though.
"I'm not worried about that right now," he said. "I'm out here focused on making plays and trying to get better day by day. We've got other stuff we're focusing on. Ultimately we're trying to win games, so that's what I'm focused on."
A three-time Pro Bowler, the 25-year-old has two years remaining on his rookie pact, including a $21.2 million fifth-year option in 2027.
With New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez [also in talks](https://www.nfl.com/news/robert-kraft-says-patriots-have-offered-christian-gonzalez-largest-contract-in
Seahawks’ Witherspoon Skips Hold-In, Focus Stays on Winning