The Seahawks bolstered their secondary in the first week of free agency, signing former 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon on Friday.
The addition of Witherspoon, a 2017 third-round pick out of Colorado, gives the Seahawks a starting-caliber option heading into 2021 with Shaquill Griffin agreeing to terms with Jacksonville in free agency, and with Quinton Dunbar currently an unrestricted free agent.
At 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Witherspoon fits the mold of an outside corner in Seattle's defense, and there shouldn't be much of a learning curve given the similarities between the Seahawks defense and San Francisco's, which for the past four seasons was led by former Pete Carroll assistant Robert Saleh. Over four seasons, Witherspoon has started 33 of 47 games played, recording four interceptions, 24 passes defensed, 117 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Witherspoon becomes the second 49ers defensive back added by the Seahawks in less than a year, joining D.J. Reed, who was claimed off waivers last summer, and who finished the season as Seattle's starting right cornerback after also starting games at left corner and nickel corner in addition to returning punts and occasional kickoffs. Depending on what happens with Dunbar and with competitions in camp—Tre Flowers will be in the mix for a starting job—Reed and Witherspoon could both be strong candidates for starting jobs.
A look back at cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon during his time with the 49ers. Witherspoon signed with the Seahawks after four seasons in San Francisco, where he started in 33 of 47 games played, recording four interceptions, 24 passes defensed, 117 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) reacts to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark LoMoglio)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) is introduced before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) is introduced before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
San Francisco 49ers' Ahkello Witherspoon warms up before the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
San Francisco 49ers' Ahkello Witherspoon, right, tackles Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
San Francisco 49ers' Marcell Harris, left, celebrates with Ahkello Witherspoon during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) goes to the sideline for a drink during NFL football training camp Friday, Aug. 21, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (Xavier Mascareñas/The Sacramento Bee via AP)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) is called for pass interference against Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki (88) in the second half during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Scot Tucker)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon celebrates his team's victory over the New England Patriots following an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
A detail shot of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) cleats prior to an NFL football game against against the Buffalo Bills, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Jennifer Stewart)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) reacts after Washington Football Team kicker Dustin Hopkins (3) missed a field goal attempt during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) is hit by San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) celebrates his interception against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) reacts on the field during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Jennifer Stewart)
