The Seattle Seahawks have exercised fifth-year options on wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon, both first-round picks from the 2023 NFL Draft. This secures the players for at least two more seasons, with the team becoming the first to act ahead of the May 1 deadline.
The Seattle Seahawks are committing to their young core by exercising fifth-year options on wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. These moves, reported by CBS Sports, ensure both players remain under contract through 2026, with Smith-Njigba's fully guaranteed option at $23.8 million and Witherspoon's at just over $21.1 million, according to Over The Cap data. Seattle acted first among NFL teams this offseason before the May 1 deadline for such options on 2023 draftees. Smith-Njigba, a key target in Seattle's passing game, posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. In 2025, he set career highs with 119 catches for 1,793 yards—leading the NFL—and 10 touchdowns. Of his receptions, 79 resulted in first downs, second only to Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua. He earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors and spoke about his future: “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... I believe I deserve to be the highest paid in my position. Just what I give to the game and the community, I give it my all.” Now extension-eligible after franchise-record production, he could approach or exceed Ja'Marr Chase's $40.2 million annual average. Smith-Njigba added, “I would play this game for free... But you don't have to, and I'm learning to be a good businessman, and we need that check at the end of the day.” Witherspoon excelled in coverage during his third year as an outside starter, recording 48 tackles, seven passes defended, and one interception. Seattle's defense led the NFL in scoring (17.2 points allowed per game) and ranked fifth in takeaways (25). A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Witherspoon had signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $31.8 million rookie deal after being the last 2023 first-rounder to sign. His market may reference Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie's four-year, $124 million extension.
