NFL: Seattle, Sherman agree to 4-year extension

Richard Sherman finally got the attention of being a top pick.

Standing on the stage with the spotlight on him and holding a Seattle jersey with his name across the back, the all-pro cornerback on Wednesday became the latest player in the Seahawks secondary to be locked up for the long term.

And he's getting paid the best of anyone.

"I guess this is how it feels to be a first-rounder," said Sherman, the 154th pick in the 2011 draft, behind 23 other cornerbacks.

Sherman signed a four-year contract extension for what he said was $57.4 million, with $40 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in NFL history.

Sherman announced the deal on his website and later confirmed it will keep him on the Seahawks through the 2018 season.

"The goal has always been to stay in Seattle and continue to play for the Seahawks," Sherman wrote. "With this chapter closed, I can continue to focus on what is important - defending our Super Bowl championship and being the best cornerback in the NFL.