Jaxon Smith-Njigba has agreed to a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, a deal that makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history. The agreement averages $42.15 million per year and includes more than $120 million guaranteed, both record-setting figures at the position. With the extension, Smith-Njigba is now under contract with Seattle through the 2031 season, solidifying his status as the franchise’s offensive cornerstone.
The Seahawks had already exercised Smith-Njigba’s fifth-year option for the 2027 season, valued at approximately $23.9 million, ensuring long-term control before finalizing the extension. The move follows his emergence as one of the league’s premier playmakers and comes on the heels of Seattle’s Super Bowl 60 championship. Smith-Njigba played a key role in that title run, earning first-team All-Pro honors and being named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year after leading the league with 1,793 receiving yards on 119 catches, along with 10 touchdowns.
Smith-Njigba’s rise accelerated after the Seahawks traded DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a move that elevated him to the clear No. 1 option in Seattle’s offense. He had already broken out in 2024 with 100 receptions for 1,130 yards, but his 2025 season vaulted him into the top tier of NFL receivers despite playing in one of the league’s most run-heavy offenses. In three postseason games during the championship run, he added 17 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns.
The deal represents the latest escalation in the wide receiver market and could have ripple effects across the league, including for the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, who may soon explore an extension for Puka Nacua. Smith-Njigba’s average annual value surpasses the previous high set by Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals, whose deal averaged $40.25 million per year. Other top earners at the position include Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb and Garrett Wilson.
Drafted 20th overall in 2023, Smith-Njigba totaled 628 receiving yards as a rookie before earning a Pro Bowl nod in his second season. At just 24 years old, he has now established himself as one of the game’s elite receivers, and Seattle’s investment reflects both his historic production and their belief that he will anchor the offense for years to come.
