Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba Becomes Highest-Paid WR

The star wide receiver signs a 4-year, $168.6 million contract extension with Seattle.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 7:49pm

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The Seattle Seahawks have signed star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a 4-year, $168.6 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. The deal includes $120 million in guaranteed money, surpassing the $161 million, 4-year contract signed by Ja'Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Why it matters

Smith-Njigba has emerged as one of the league's elite wide receivers, earning NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2025 after setting franchise records with 119 receptions and 1,793 receiving yards. Locking him up long-term is a major priority for the Seahawks as they look to build around their young star.

The details

The Seahawks had exercised Smith-Njigba's fifth-year option last Friday. His new deal will pay him an average of $42.15 million per season, the highest annual salary for a wide receiver. Smith-Njigba, who turned 24 in February, has 282 receptions for 3,551 yards and 20 touchdown catches in 51 NFL games (36 starts) since being drafted 20th overall out of Ohio State in 2023. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

  • The Seahawks exercised Smith-Njigba's fifth-year option last Friday.
  • Smith-Njigba turned 24 in February 2026.

The players

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

A star wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2025 after setting franchise records with 119 receptions and 1,793 receiving yards.

Ja'Marr Chase

A wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals who previously held the record for highest-paid wide receiver with a 4-year, $161 million contract.

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What they’re saying

“I think I deserve to be the highest-paid at 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, lot more.”

— Jaxon Smith-Njigba

“I would play this game for free, 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.”

— Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The takeaway

Jaxon Smith-Njigba's record-setting contract extension solidifies his status as one of the NFL's elite wide receivers and underscores the Seahawks' commitment to building around their young star as they look to contend for a Super Bowl in the coming years.