The NFL’s reigning offensive player of the year, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, has come to terms with the Seattle Seahawks on a new 4 year, $168.6M contract extension. The deal will make him the highest paid wide receiver in NFL history and features over $120M in guaranteed money.
His $42.15M average annual value is a new record for a wide receiver, and ties him to the Seahawks through the 2031 NFL season. Earlier this month, Seattle exercised JSN’s 5th year rookie option which will see him earn $23.9M in 2027.
The 24 year old set career highs in almost every offensive category in 2025, including receptions (119), receiving yards (1,793), and receiving TDs (10). He would then go on to add 17 catches for 199 yards and 2 TDs in the playoffs as the Seahawks captured their 2nd Super Bowl title in February.
Smith-Njigba was the largest benefactor of D.K. Metcalf joining the Steelers last season, as he became the unquestioned number one option in the Seahawks passing game. However few could have predicted the kind of jump in production JSN had last season.
Most knew that the talent was there, but Seattle was bringing in a reclamation project at QB, and were on their 3rd offensive coordinator in as many seasons. In spite of that, the Ohio State alum would go on to the lead the NFL in receiving yards, as well as yards per touch en route to the NFC’s #1 seed and a first team All-Pro selection.
With JSN’s future now secured, the club can now turn their attention to cornerback Devon Witherspoon who is also eligible for an extension this year. Seattle already locked up 2022 1st round pick Charles Cross to a multi-year deal leaving Witherspoon as the most likely candidate to see a sizeable payday in the near future.
One wide receiver in particular is likely taking note of Smith-Njigba’s record setting deal, and one doesn’t need to leave the division to find him. Rams WR Puka Nacua is currently entering the final year of his deal with Los Angeles and will very likely point towards JSN’s contract as a starting point with negotiations between the club and his camp.
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