Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seattle Seahawks’ star wide receiver, is making waves both on and off the field after a record-breaking season. Fresh off a historic campaign that culminated in a Super Bowl victory, Smith-Njigba has made it clear that he expects to be compensated as one of the top receivers in the NFL.
His confidence is backed by performance: at just 24 years old, he led the league with an astounding 1,793 receiving yards, while setting franchise records and establishing himself as one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the league.
His dominance was recognized league-wide when he earned the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year award. What sets Smith-Njigba apart is not just the sheer volume of yards, but his efficiency and impact in critical moments.
He scored 10 touchdowns and ranked second in the league in yards per target. Moreover, he commanded 36.2 percent of Seattle’s targets, the highest share in the NFL, illustrating how integral he is to quarterback Sam Darnold’s success and the team’s overall offense.
Despite still having two seasons left on his rookie contract, a deal worth just over $14 million with the fifth-year option, Smith-Njigba isn’t willing to wait to secure his next contract. Speaking with WFAA, he expressed his goal clearly: he wants to become the highest-paid wide receiver in the league.
“I believe I deserve to be the highest paid in my position,” he said. “I give it my all on the field and in the community. I love this game, but I also need to be smart about my career.”
Seahawks at a crossroads
The deal Smith-Njigba is seeking would likely exceed $40 million annually, surpassing the current top receiver salary and resetting the market yet again.
By comparison, Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase set the bar with a four-year, $161 million contract, widely regarded as the gold standard for elite receivers. Fortunately for Seattle, the team has more than $63 million in cap space, making a high-value extension financially feasible.
The real question is whether the Seahawks’ front office will commit such a substantial amount while Smith-Njigba still has two years remaining on his rookie deal.
Complicating matters further, the franchise itself is on the market, adding uncertainty to long-term planning. New ownership could influence contract strategies for key players, making the timing of Smith-Njigba’s extension even more critical.
Despite these factors, he emphasized his focus remains on team success rather than individual accolades. He stated a preference for winning another Super Bowl with Seattle over pursuing awards like MVP, underscoring his commitment to the team even as negotiations loom.
As the Seahawks navigate a sale and continue to build around its star receiver, Smith-Njigba’s next contract could not only reshape the wide receiver market but also define the team’s trajectory for years to come.
