The Seattle Seahawks locked down Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the short term, then sent a message to their star wide receiver after the news was announced.
The team announced this week that it would be picking up Smith-Njigba’s fifth-year option, setting the stage for a huge potential contract. The 24-year-old played a major role in the team’s Super Bowl win this season, and could soon land a contract that matches his ascension to the top of the league’s crop of wide receivers.
Seahawks Praise Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Shortly after the news of his fifth-year option was announced on Friday, the Seahawks took to social media to share a highlight reel of the wide receiver and a simple message.
“Route artist,” the team wrote in a post on X that showcased his route-running skills.
As NFL.com noted, the extension and the praise from the team came after a masterful season from Smith-Njigba.
“Smith-Njigba, 24, was instrumental in Seattle’s quest to Super Bowl LX,” the report noted, adding that Smith-Njigba is set to make $23.8 million. “The 20th overall pick of 2023 has developed into one of the league’s best receivers with his quick burst of speed. The two-time Pro Bowler had a career-year with a league leading 1,793 receiving yards, 119 receptions and 10 touchdowns in 17 games. He was also one of three unanimous All-Pro selections in 2025 and won Offensive Player of the Year.”
Smith-Njigba was a central piece of the offense that allowed quarterback Sam Darnold to hit the ground running, allowing him to build on his career-best season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. The Vikings opted to move back to J.J. McCarthy, which led to the Seahawks signing Darnold and parting ways with veteran Geno Smith.
While Darnold flashed his ability with the Vikings, it was the steady presence of Smith-Njigba in the wide receiver room that allowed him to keep up the pace and lead the Seahawks to a division title followed by a Super Bowl win.
Smith-Njigba may take on an even bigger role in the offense in 2026, especially with the team allowing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to leave in free agency.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Not Stressing New Deal
Smith-Njigba has been clear that he deserves to be paid like the top wide receiver he’s become, though does not appear to be pressing the team into a deal quickly.
Smith-Njigba said he plans to keep playing hard and focusing on the upcoming season, knowing that the deal will get done in due time.
“I’m really not too pressed right now to get it done,” Smith-Njigba told Jonah Javad of WFAA. “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.”
Seahawks Send Clear Message to Jaxon Smith-Njigba After Big News