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Seahawks Star Jaxon Smith-Njigba Wants to Be NFL's Highest-Paid Receiver
The 2025 Offensive Player of the Year is seeking a record-breaking contract extension after leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the 2025 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, is looking to become the league's highest-paid receiver and eclipse a value of $40 million per year on an extension with the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. The 2023 first-round pick is extension-eligible this offseason for the first time in his career, and the timing couldn't be better after leading the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards on 119 catches, including 10 for touchdowns.
Why it matters
Smith-Njigba's comments are a warning for the Seahawks' front office, as the team will need to balance paying their star players after winning the Super Bowl. The Seahawks may need to make tough decisions on which players to prioritize, as the high end of the receiver market continues to rise.
The details
Smith-Njigba told WFAA in his hometown of Dallas that he believes he deserves to be the highest-paid receiver in the NFL, citing his production and community involvement. The Seahawks can exercise a fifth-year option on Smith-Njigba by May 1 to keep him under contract for 2027, but the team will likely need to work out a long-term extension to keep him happy.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba is extension-eligible this offseason for the first time in his career.
- The Seahawks have until May 1 to exercise a fifth-year option on Smith-Njigba for 2027.
The players
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The 2025 NFL Offensive Player of the Year and star wide receiver for the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
John Schneider
The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, who will need to negotiate a lucrative contract extension with Smith-Njigba.
What they’re saying
“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. And I think that's worth a lot more.”
— Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WFAA)
“I'm really not too pressed right now to get it done. 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, so whenever that may come, we'll be ready for it.”
— Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WFAA)
What’s next
The Seahawks can exercise a fifth-year option on Jaxon Smith-Njigba by May 1 to keep him under contract for 2027, but the team will likely need to work out a long-term extension to keep the star receiver happy.
The takeaway
Jaxon Smith-Njigba's contract demands highlight the challenges the Seahawks will face in keeping their Super Bowl-winning roster together. The team will need to balance paying their star players while also addressing other needs, as the high end of the receiver market continues to rise.
