The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to a four-year, $168.6 million extension with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The deal includes $120 million in guarantees, and according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter Smith-Njigba’s new contract will make him the highest-paid wide receiver, with him averaging $42.15 million per year.
At just 24, Smith-Njigba is now under contract through the 2031 season after the team also exercised his fifth-year option. His new salary surpasses that of Ja’Marr Chase, making him the league’s top-paid player at his position.
Drafted 20th overall in 2023 out of Ohio State, he has developed into Seattle’s primary offensive weapon. After a modest rookie campaign, he posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons before exploding last year with 119 receptions for a league-leading 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns—all career highs and franchise records.
His standout performance helped power Seattle to a championship run, culminating in a victory in Super Bowl LX over the New England Patriots. Across the postseason, he totaled 17 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns, including key contributions in the NFC title game. His dominant season earned him first-team All-Pro honors and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.
Durability has also been a strength—Smith-Njigba has yet to miss a game in his first three seasons, compiling 282 receptions for 3,551 yards and 20 touchdowns in 51 appearances.
With former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak departing for a head coaching role and running back Kenneth Walker III moving on in free agency, Smith-Njigba is expected to take on an even larger leadership role alongside quarterback Sam Darnold. He’ll be working under new coordinator Brian Fleury as the offense continues to evolve.
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