What happened: Denzel Ward ranks second at $31.1 million, with Trent McDuffie at $31 million. Sauce Gardner averages $30.1 million, ahead of Derek Stingley Jr. at $30 million.
Why it matters: The ranking establishes a new ceiling for future cornerback negotiations. Four salaries remain tightly clustered below Witherspoon's benchmark.
By the numbers: Annual averages: Devon Witherspoon $33 million; Denzel Ward $31.1 million; Trent McDuffie $31 million; Sauce Gardner $30.1 million; Derek Stingley Jr. $30 million.
What to watch: The next major cornerback negotiation will be measured against Witherspoon's $33 million annual benchmark.