Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba Seeks Record-Breaking $40.25M Contract

The star wide receiver believes he deserves to be the highest-paid player at his position.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 10:21pm

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has revealed that he wants to break the record for the largest contract for a wide receiver in NFL history, currently held by Ja'Marr Chase at $40.25 million per year. Smith-Njigba, who is coming off a breakout 2025 season, believes he deserves to be the highest-paid player at his position.

Why it matters

The Seahawks will have a tough decision to make regarding Smith-Njigba's contract extension, as meeting his lofty demands could put a strain on their salary cap. However, the team recognizes the importance of retaining their star wide receiver, who was a key contributor to their Super Bowl 60 victory.

The details

Smith-Njigba is currently under contract for the 2026 season, and the Seahawks hold a fifth-year option that they will likely exercise this offseason. The 23-year-old wide receiver is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and he is in no rush to get a deal done, as he is set to land a massive payday when he does sign a new contract.

  • Smith-Njigba is under contract for the 2026 season.
  • The Seahawks hold a fifth-year option on Smith-Njigba that they will likely exercise this offseason.
  • Smith-Njigba is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.

The players

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

A wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who had a breakout 2025 season, recording 1,793 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns, and 119 receptions on 163 targets.

Ja'Marr Chase

A wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals who currently holds the record for the largest contract for a wide receiver in NFL history, at $40.25 million per year.

Sam Darnold

The quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, who helped lead the team to a Super Bowl 60 victory in 2025.

Seattle Seahawks

An NFL team based in Seattle, Washington, who won Super Bowl 60 in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I believe I deserve to be the highest paid in my position. I would play this game for free, I love this game so much... 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.”

— Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks (WFAA)

What’s next

The Seahawks will need to decide whether to meet Smith-Njigba's contract demands, which could be as high as $40.25 million per year, the current record held by Ja'Marr Chase. This will be a crucial decision for the team as they look to retain their star wide receiver and maintain salary cap flexibility.

The takeaway

Jaxon Smith-Njigba's contract demands highlight the increasing value of elite wide receivers in the NFL. The Seahawks will have to weigh the cost of meeting his lofty expectations against the importance of keeping their star player and Super Bowl-winning roster intact.