Jaxon Smith-Njigba Secures Historic Contract with Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has signed a record-breaking extension with the Seahawks. The four-year deal solidifies his status as the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the current NFL Offensive Player of the Year, has finalized a four-year contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks valued at $168.6 million. This deal establishes him as the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history, according to sources reported by ESPN.
The contract averages $42.15 million annually and includes over $120 million in guaranteed money, both of which set new records for wide receivers. With this agreement, Smith-Njigba is secured with the Seahawks through the 2031 season.
Recently, the Seahawks exercised Smith-Njigba's fifth-year option for 2027, which is worth approximately $23.9 million. This brings the total duration of his contract with the team to six years.
This latest contract marks a significant shift in the wide receiver market, potentially affecting division rivals like the Los Angeles Rams, who may consider an extension for Puka Nacua this offseason. Nacua is entering the final year of his contract in 2026 and now faces a new benchmark.
Smith-Njigba's contract surpasses the previous record held by Ja'Marr Chase, who had an average annual value of $40.25 million with the Cincinnati Bengals. Furthermore, Smith-Njigba's deal significantly exceeds those of other top receivers, including Justin Jefferson ($35 million), CeeDee Lamb ($34 million), DK Metcalf ($33 million), and Garrett Wilson ($32.5 million).
The defending Super Bowl champions, the Seahawks, had previously extended star left tackle Charles Cross, their first-round draft pick in 2022, with a four-year, $104.4 million deal in January. Now, they have secured a similar extension for Smith-Njigba, their first-round pick from 2023.
Seattle also has another first-round pick from 2023, standout cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who is eligible for an extension as well. Smith-Njigba, 24, set personal bests last season with 119 receptions, 1,793 receiving yards, and 10 touchdown catches, earning him a first-team All-Pro designation in 2025. In the playoffs, he recorded 17 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns across three games.