Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Seahawks WR Signs Record-Breaking NFL Contract Extension
SEATTLE – Jaxon Smith-Njigba didn’t necessitate to wait long to become the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver. Just weeks after stating his belief that he deserved the title, the Seattle Seahawks star has secured a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension, including $120 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports on .
The deal vaults Smith-Njigba past Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who currently averages $40.25 million per season on his four-year, $161 million contract. Smith-Njigba’s latest average annual value of $42.15 million sets a new benchmark for pass catchers in the league.
“I think I deserve to be the highest-paid at my position, just what I give to the game and the community, I give it my all,” Smith-Njigba told WFAA-TV in February. “And I think that’s worth a lot, lot more. I would play this game for free, I love this game so much, but you don’t have to. I’m learning to be a quality businessman, and we need that check at the end of the day.”
The Seahawks demonstrated their commitment to Smith-Njigba’s future just days before the extension was finalized, exercising his fifth-year option last .
The contract extension is a reward for a breakout 2025 season that saw Smith-Njigba earn NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors. He shattered franchise records with 119 receptions and 1,793 receiving yards, also finding the end zone 10 times. His performance was instrumental in leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots, 29-13.
Smith-Njigba’s impact extended beyond the regular season. He delivered a strong playoff performance, amassing 17 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns, including four receptions for 27 yards in the Super Bowl triumph.
Entering his third NFL season, the 24-year-old Smith-Njigba has quickly established himself as a premier receiver. Through 51 career games (36 starts), he has accumulated 282 receptions for 3,551 yards and 20 touchdowns. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Smith-Njigba was originally drafted 20th overall in 2023 out of Ohio State.
The Seahawks’ investment in Smith-Njigba signals a clear intent to build around the young star. The team had previously extended left tackle Charles Cross, their first-round pick from 2022, and exercised the fifth-year option for cornerback Devon Witherspoon, also a 2023 first-round selection. The team now faces decisions regarding potential extensions for other key players.
Smith-Njigba’s success comes after the Seahawks overhauled their wide receiver room last offseason, moving on from established veterans DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. This created an opportunity for Smith-Njigba to become the focal point of the passing attack, a role he embraced and excelled in.
His ability to create separation with excellent route-running, combined with reliable hands and a keen understanding of defensive schemes, makes him a tough matchup for any opponent. He consistently finds soft spots in coverage and is seemingly always open, becoming a favorite target for quarterback Sam Darnold.
The ripple effect of Smith-Njigba’s contract is expected to be felt across the league, particularly by teams with wide receivers approaching free agency or seeking extensions. The Los Angeles Rams, with receiver Puka Nacua entering the final year of his deal in 2026, will likely be closely monitoring the situation as they consider their own contract negotiations.
The Seahawks’ commitment to securing their core players underscores their ambition to remain competitive in the NFC and contend for future championships. With Smith-Njigba now locked in for the long term, the team has a cornerstone piece in place to build a sustained period of success.