Seahawks Need Not Think Twice Making Jaxon Smith-Njigba ‘Highest Paid’ Receiver
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="2703"]
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs the ball during the third quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn [/caption]
Taking the torch from DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba established himself as one of, if not the best wideout in the entire NFL in 2026, helping the franchise reach - and win - the Super Bowl.
The Ohio State product led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards (a Seahawks franchise record and the eighth-highest single-season totals in league history). He averaged 15.1 yards per reception and had consistent big-play production (10 100-plus yard games). This earned him AP Offensive Player of the Year, first-team All-Pro honors, and a Pro Bowl nod, culminating in one of the most decorated seasons by any Seahawks player ever.
At just 24 years old, Smith-Njigba is a former first-round pick (No. 20 overall in 2023) who has rapidly ascended to superstar status. Soon, he will be paid like one.
The wideout recently commented on it during a radio interview with Jonah Javad of WFAA, saying, “I'm really not too pressed right now to get it done. I know my time is coming and when we get it done it's gonna be a great deal. And, you know, God's timing is perfect timing. So, whenever that may come, we'll be ready for it, and I think I believe I deserve to be the highest paid in my position. Just what I give to the game and the community, you know, I give it my all. I think that's worth a lot.”
Smith-Njigba didn’t necessarily turn up the heat on John Schneider and company, saying he is “not too pressed” at the moment. However, when the time comes, he believes he should be the highest paid receiver.
And he’s right. That should not be a controversial statement at all.
In fact, it might be smart for the Seahawks to extend him very soon. Locking him up now secures a young, proven elite talent for years, avoiding the risk of his value skyrocketing further (or him hitting free agency later). Analysts note his price could rise with rising salary caps, and extending him proactively is seen as prudent to keep the core intact alongside players like Devon Witherspoon, a fellow 2023 first rounder who also needs paid.
Smith-Njigba’s production was central to the Seahawks' explosive offense catching passes from Sam Darnold, contributing heavily to their championship run. His NFC Championship Game performance was one for the ages, catching 10 balls for 153 yards and that critical touchdown right before halftime.
It’s incredible that he set the franchise receiving yards record, with the eighth-highest all-time mark in NFL history, all while Seattle ranked 29th in passing attempts.
Smith-Njigba is a route artist. He is one of the most cerebral receivers in the NFL. While he doesn’t have elite size, he still has excellent body control and knows how to use his body to make plays.
His age is certainly his advantage as well. Bengals start wideout Ja'Marr Chase got a massive four year, $161 million contract, which is currently the richest among any receiver. He received that deal at age 25. Smith-Njigba is about two years younger than Chase was at the time of the signing.
Smith-Njigba could certainly ask for that large of a number without batting an eye. Chase, Justin Jefferson, and CeeDee Lamb are all making at least $34 million per season. Smith-Nijgba absolutely deserves to be in that club. Seattle could certainly go the route of picking up his fifth-year option in 2027, which would be around $24 million. However, the downside is, Smith-Njigba will likely only get more expensive in 2028 if the Seahawks wait that long.
Aside from being an artist on the football field, Smith-Njigba’s best trait is that he is very unproblematic. He is not a diva or prima donna. He doesn’t have sideline spats with coaches and teammates like you see from other high profile receivers. Teammates highly respect him. The franchise clearly values him. He does not seem like a player that will become a problem after he gets paid. John Schneider definitely has to navigate this delicately.
If there is any receiver in the NFL that has earned to become the next highest-paid at his position, or even among non-quarterbacks in general, given his success on the field and class off of it, that player is Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Seattle need not overthink it when it comes to forking over the cash.
