Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, entering his fourth NFL season, expressed confidence that he merits the league's top wide receiver salary while remaining patient on a contract extension. The 2025 Offensive Player of the Year highlighted his contributions on and off the field in recent comments. With one year left on his rookie deal, Smith-Njigba helped lead Seattle to a Super Bowl victory last season.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, selected 20th overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, is eligible for a contract extension as he heads into Year 4. The wide receiver, who turned 24 last Saturday, has one season remaining on his four-year, $14.4 million rookie contract. Seattle must decide on his fifth-year option by May 1, alongside that of fellow 2023 first-rounder Devon Witherspoon.
In an interview with Jonah Javad of WFAA-TV, Smith-Njigba conveyed patience amid his rising value. "I'm really not too pressed right now to get it done," he said. "I know my time is coming and when we get it done it's gonna be a great deal. And, you know, God's timing is perfect timing. So, whenever that may come, we'll be ready for it, and I think I believe I deserve to be the highest paid in my position. Just what I give to the game and the community, you know, I give it my all. I think that's worth a lot."
Smith-Njigba's performance bolsters his case. Named the 2025 AP Offensive Player of the Year, he led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards on 119 catches and 10 touchdowns during the regular season, earning his second straight Pro Bowl selection. In the postseason, he added 199 yards and two touchdowns across three games as the Seahawks captured their second Super Bowl title in franchise history. Over 51 games (36 starts), he has amassed 282 receptions for 3,551 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Currently, Cincinnati Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase holds the wide receiver salary benchmark at an average of $40.25 million per year from his four-year, $161 million extension signed last March. Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson follows at $35 million annually. Seattle, fresh off Super Bowl LX with the sixth-most cap space in the league, also benefits from quarterback Sam Darnold's deal averaging $33.5 million per year, with two seasons left.
Despite his ambitions, Smith-Njigba emphasized his passion for the sport. "I would play this game for free," he stated. "I love this game so much, but you don't have to. I'm learning to be a good businessman, and we need that check at the end of the day." The Seahawks' roster, built through drafts and signings, positions them well to retain core talent like Smith-Njigba amid their contention window.