News outlet ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicated that the Seattle Seahawks have reportedly finalized a new four-year deal worth $168.6 million for their wideout, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This fresh agreement positions Smith-Njigba as the top-earning wide receiver, commanding an average annual salary of $42.15 million.
This contract extension for Smith-Njigba followed the Seahawks’ decision on Friday to activate his fifth-year option. Concurrently, the organization also exercised the fifth-year option for defensive back Devon Witherspoon. The receiver, aged 24, is now secured with the team until the conclusion of the 2031 season.
Smith-Njigba recently concluded a standout season playing for the Seahawks. During the previous year, he achieved 119 receptions, accumulated a league-best 1,793 receiving yards, and scored 10 touchdowns, marking personal bests across the board and establishing multiple new franchise records for the Seahawks.
Although the majority of Smith-Njigba’s statistical output occurred during the initial half of the season, he delivered crucial performances when the Seahawks were in dire need. Even as the Seahawks leaned heavily on Kenneth Walker and their ground attack throughout their journey to the Super Bowl, Smith-Njigba contributed 10 receptions, 153 yards, and a score in Seattle’s 31-27 triumph against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship contest. Such a display secured him the Offensive Player of the Year accolade and his inaugural first-team All-Pro recognition.
The Seahawks acknowledged Smith-Njigba’s performance, as he completed his third NFL campaign since being selected in the first round from Ohio State in 2023. Following a rookie year tally of 63 receptions for 628 yards and four scores, Smith-Njigba has subsequently achieved two consecutive seasons surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, notwithstanding working with three distinct offensive coordinators. He is slated to play under a different offensive coordinator, Brian Fleury, next season, subsequent to Klint Kubiak’s departure to assume the head coaching role for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Considering Kubiak’s exit and Walker’s commitment to the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith-Njigba along with quarterback Sam Darnold are anticipated to serve as the primary offensive catalysts for the Seahawks. Furthermore, the team secured their 2022 first-round selection, offensive tackle Charles Cross, with a renewed four-year, $104.4 million contract in January.
Now that Smith-Njigba’s contract is secured, the Seahawks are expected to redirect their attention to negotiating a new agreement with Witherspoon. The 25-year-old cornerback has proven to be an indispensable component of the Seahawks’ defensive unit under the guidance of head coach Mike MacDonald.
In the previous season, Witherspoon tallied 72 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble, earning him second-team All-Pro recognition. His most notable performance occurred during the Super Bowl, where he accumulated four tackles, executed a sack, and put pressure on New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye after rushing from his slot position.
