Jaxon Smith-Njigba Contract: Seahawks Star Eyes Record-Breaking Deal

The potential contract extension for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is poised to be one of the most closely watched negotiations in the NFL next off-season. The young star has publicly expressed his belief that he deserves to become the highest-paid player at his position.

Current Contract and Ambitions

Smith-Njigba is currently in the final year of his four-year rookie contract, valued at over $14 million. Despite the Seahawks retaining some control through the contract, Smith-Njigba has made his ambitions clear. He stated, through comments relayed by journalist Jonah Javad, that he believes his performance both on and off the field warrants record-breaking compensation, anticipating the right opportunity will arise to secure a significant deal.

Potential to Surpass Ja’Marr Chase

If negotiations progress as Smith-Njigba hopes, comparisons to the league’s top receivers, including Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals, are inevitable. Chase currently commands an average annual salary exceeding $40 million, setting a high benchmark for elite wide receivers. To achieve his goal, Smith-Njigba’s next contract would need to surpass this figure.

Seahawks’ Contractual Options

The Seahawks have options to manage Smith-Njigba’s contract. The team is expected to exercise his fifth-year option for the 2027 season, which would be worth approximately $24.39 million [Wikipedia]. This would secure his rights for at least two additional seasons. However, the team may also initiate discussions for a long-term extension in the coming weeks, a common strategy to lock in young stars before their market value increases.

Rising Star in Seattle

Since entering the NFL, Smith-Njigba has quickly become a key target in the Seahawks’ offense. His consistent improvement and increasing role have led many to anticipate a substantial contract extension. In the 2025 season, Smith-Njigba led the league in receiving yards with 1,793 on 119 receptions, earning him NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl selection [Seahawks.com]. He also helped the Seahawks win Super Bowl LX [Wikipedia].

Impact on the Wide Receiver Market

A successful negotiation could redefine the NFL wide receiver market and solidify Smith-Njigba’s position as one of the league’s most influential players. As of February 2026, Smith-Njigba has 282 receptions for 3,551 yards and 20 touchdowns in his NFL career [Wikipedia].