Seattle Seahawks fans, buckle up! Jaxon Smith-Njigba has firmly established himself as one of the NFL’s elite wide receivers, and now he’s on the brink of a major payday. With his rookie contract entering its final year, the Seahawks have a crucial task ahead: securing an extension for their star wideout, who just snagged the AP Offensive Player of the Year award.
Smith-Njigba, in a recent chat with WFAA in Dallas, seemed pretty relaxed about the whole contract situation. He’s not rushing the process but made it clear he believes he should be at the top of the pay scale for wide receivers.
“I’m not too pressed right now,” he said. “I know my time is coming, and when we get it done, it’s going to be a great deal.
God’s timing is perfect timing.”
And why wouldn’t he aim for the top? Smith-Njigba’s performance last season was nothing short of spectacular.
He led the league with 1,793 receiving yards and set franchise records with 119 receptions and 10 touchdowns. Throw in his playoff heroics-17 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns during the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run-and you’ve got a player who’s earned his accolades, including first-team All-Pro honors and a second Pro Bowl selection.
The current benchmark for wide receiver contracts is set by Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase, who’s pulling in an average of $40.25 million annually. Other top earners include Justin Jefferson, Ceedee Lamb, DK Metcalf, and Garrett Wilson, all making substantial figures. Smith-Njigba’s current rookie deal offers a base salary of $2.7 million for the upcoming season, a figure that’s bound to skyrocket with his next contract.
The Seahawks are in a favorable position to lock down their star, boasting the sixth-most salary cap space in the league at around $61.9 million. If negotiations hit a snag, Seattle has the option to exercise the fifth-year option on Smith-Njigba’s rookie deal, keeping him in the Pacific Northwest through 2027 while buying more time to finalize an extension. They’ve done it before, as seen with left tackle Charles Cross, who was eventually signed to a lucrative extension.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Seattle to see how they handle this pivotal moment. Smith-Njigba’s future in Seattle seems bright, and if his past performances are any indication, the Seahawks are poised to keep their offensive powerhouse in the Emerald City for years to come.