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Seahawks Extend Star WR Smith-Njigba to Record Deal
Buccaneers Lose Longtime LB David to Retirement, Raiders Prepare to Draft QB Mendoza
Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:06pm
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A cubist interpretation of the key NFL storylines this offseason, from contract extensions to retirements and the upcoming draft.NYC TodayThe Seattle Seahawks have signed star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a record-breaking four-year, $42.15 million per year extension, keeping him under contract through 2031. Meanwhile, longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David has announced his retirement after 14 seasons, and the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to select Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Why it matters
The Seahawks' extension of Smith-Njigba, the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year, solidifies their offensive core for years to come. David's retirement is a significant loss for the Buccaneers, who will now need to rebuild their defense. The Raiders' selection of Mendoza with the top pick will shape the future of their franchise as they look to rebound from a disappointing season.
The details
The Seahawks' deal with Smith-Njigba includes over $69 million fully guaranteed at signing, making it one of the richest receiver contracts in the NFL. The 24-year-old wideout is now locked in as a focal point of Seattle's offense through 2031. Lavonte David, a second-round pick by the Buccaneers in 2012, announced his retirement at age 36 after 14 seasons, all with Tampa Bay. He was a foundational piece of the Bucs' defense, though he made only one Pro Bowl and one All-Pro team. The Raiders are widely expected to select Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, with the first overall pick in April's draft. Mendoza has been spending time with the Raiders' coaching staff to acclimate to their offense.
- The Seahawks and Smith-Njigba agreed to the extension on March 22, 2026.
- Lavonte David announced his retirement on March 25, 2026.
- The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.
The players
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
A 24-year-old wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who was named the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year.
Lavonte David
A 36-year-old linebacker who spent his entire 14-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning a Super Bowl and earning over $103 million in career earnings.
Fernando Mendoza
The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who is expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What they’re saying
“We must keep our core offensive talent together, and Jaxon is a big part of that. This extension ensures he'll be a Seahawk for years to come.”
— Pete Carroll, Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks
“It's been an honor to play my entire career in Tampa Bay. I'm grateful for the memories and relationships I've built with this organization and community.”
— Lavonte David
What’s next
The Raiders will officially select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 24th.
The takeaway
This offseason has seen significant changes for some of the NFL's top teams, with the Seahawks locking up a star receiver, the Buccaneers losing a franchise icon, and the Raiders preparing to draft their next quarterback of the future. These moves will shape the competitive landscape of the league in the years to come.
