Seahawks Extend Contracts of Top Draft Picks

Team exercises 5th-year options on WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba and CB Devon Witherspoon

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Seattle Seahawks have exercised the fifth-year options on the rookie contracts of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon, locking them in through the 2027 season. This means Smith-Njigba will have a guaranteed salary of $23.852 million for that final year.

Why it matters

Retaining top draft picks is crucial for the Seahawks as they look to build a contending roster. Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon were both high selections in recent drafts and have shown promise, so securing their services long-term is a smart move for the franchise.

The details

The Seahawks announced on Friday that they have picked up the fifth-year options on the rookie contracts of Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon. This will keep both players under team control through the 2027 season. For Smith-Njigba, the 2023 first-round pick, the fifth-year option means he will earn a guaranteed salary of $23.852 million in 2027.

  • The Seahawks made the announcement on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

A wide receiver drafted by the Seahawks in the first round in 2023.

Devon Witherspoon

A cornerback drafted by the Seahawks, also in the first round in 2023.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Locking up two of their top young talents for the long-term is a savvy move by the Seahawks' front office as they look to build a sustainable contender in the coming years.