Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is now the highest-paid player at his position in the NFL, after agreeing to a four-year contract extension worth $168.6 million. The deal, finalized on Monday, includes a fully guaranteed $120 million, according to reports from Reuters, and ESPN.
The contract establishes Smith-Njigba’s average annual salary at $42.15 million, surpassing the previous record held by Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase at $40.25 million. This move underscores the Seahawks’ commitment to their young star and signals a new era for the franchise’s passing game.
The Seahawks’ decision to prioritize Smith-Njigba comes after allowing running back Kenneth Walker III to depart for the Kansas City Chiefs on a three-year deal. General manager John Schneider, even as not expressing concern over Walker’s departure, has clearly signaled a focus on building around key offensive players like Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon, whose fifth-year option was likewise exercised this week.
“The @Seahawks have exercised the 5th Year Options for Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon,” the Seahawks PR account announced on X, formerly known as Twitter. This secures both players through the 2027 season.
Smith-Njigba’s rapid ascent to NFL stardom has been remarkable. Drafted 20th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft from Ohio State, he quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker. In the 2025 season, he earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors, setting a new Seahawks franchise record with 119 receptions for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns. His performance extended into the playoffs, where he recorded 17 receptions for 199 yards and two touchdowns, culminating in a strong showing in Super Bowl LX with four catches for 27 yards as Seattle secured a 29-13 victory.
The 24-year-old receiver has amassed 282 receptions for 3,551 yards and 20 touchdowns in 51 career games. He’s also been selected to two Pro Bowls, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier wide receivers. Smith-Njigba himself expressed confidence in his value earlier this year, stating in February, “I think I deserve to be the highest-paid receiver in my position…I’m putting everything into the game and the community. I love this sport too much to do it for free, but it’s not just about the money. It’s about learning how to be a good businessman, and at the end of the day, the contract matters.”
This contract extension isn’t just about rewarding past performance; it’s about securing the future of the Seahawks’ offense. The move allows the team to build around a core of young, talented players, potentially for years to come. Exercising the fifth-year option on Witherspoon alongside Smith-Njigba demonstrates a clear strategy of retaining key contributors from recent draft classes.
The decision to lock up Smith-Njigba also has implications for the wider NFL landscape. It sets a new benchmark for wide receiver contracts and could influence negotiations for other top players at the position. The Seahawks’ willingness to invest heavily in their receiving corps signals a shift towards a more pass-heavy offensive approach.
The Seahawks will now turn their attention to preparing for the upcoming season. With Smith-Njigba secured long-term, the focus will be on continuing to develop the offense and building on the success of the 2025 campaign. The team’s next key date is the start of the NFL Draft in April, where they will look to add further talent to their roster.
Fans can follow updates on Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks throughout the offseason on the team’s official website ([https://www.seahawks.com/](https://www.seahawks.com/)) and social media channels.
