Jaxon Smith-Njigba Named 2025 NFL Offensive Player of the Year After Breakout Season with Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba just stamped his name among the NFL’s elite.
The Seahawks wideout was officially crowned the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year at the NFL Honors, capping off a breakout sophomore campaign that was nothing short of spectacular. Smith-Njigba earned 272 points in the voting, including 14 first-place votes, edging out some of the league’s biggest stars in a tight race. Christian McCaffrey (223 points, 12 first-place votes) and Puka Nacua (170 points, 8 first-place votes) weren’t far behind, but it was Smith-Njigba’s consistency, explosiveness, and playmaking that ultimately separated him from the pack.
Let’s break down why this award wasn’t just deserved - it felt inevitable by season’s end.
A Star Is Born in Seattle
Smith-Njigba’s 2025 numbers speak volumes: 119 receptions on 163 targets, 1,793 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns across all 17 games. That’s not just production - that’s dominance. He became the go-to weapon in Seattle’s offense, a reliable target who could move the chains, stretch the field, and take over games in the clutch.
What stood out most was his route running. Smith-Njigba’s ability to create separation at every level of the field gave opposing defensive backs nightmares.
Whether he was working out of the slot or lined up outside, he consistently found soft spots in coverage and turned routine catches into big gains. His football IQ, paired with elite footwork and hands, made him nearly unguardable at times.
And when the Seahawks needed a play? He delivered.
From Buckeye Record-Setter to NFL Headliner
This kind of rise might surprise some, but those who followed Smith-Njigba at Ohio State saw the flashes early. He holds school records for most catches in a single game (15, achieved twice) and most receiving yards in a season (1,606 in 2021). That 2021 campaign was a preview of what was to come - a technician with the ball in his hands and a knack for the spectacular.
After declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft following his junior season, Smith-Njigba landed in Seattle, signing a four-year deal worth $14.4 million, including a $7.5 million signing bonus. In 2025, his cap hit came in just under $4 million - a bargain for the kind of production he delivered.
Beating Out a Stacked Field
The Offensive Player of the Year race was loaded with talent. McCaffrey continued to be the engine of San Francisco’s offense, while rookie sensation Puka Nacua kept building on his historic start with the Rams. Bijan Robinson flashed superstar potential in Atlanta, and rookie quarterback Drake Maye made waves in New England.
But Smith-Njigba’s ability to stay on the field, stay productive, and stay consistent gave him the edge. He wasn’t just putting up numbers - he was changing games. Week after week, he proved he could be the focal point of an NFL offense and thrive in that role.
What Comes Next?
At just 23 years old, Smith-Njigba’s ceiling is still rising. This season was a statement, but it also feels like the beginning of something bigger. With his chemistry in the Seahawks’ offense growing and his confidence clearly soaring, it’s not a stretch to say he could be a fixture in the award conversation for years to come.
Seattle has found its next offensive cornerstone - and the rest of the league is officially on notice.