Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba Now Highest-Paid Receiver In NFL With $168M, 4-Year Extension

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has agreed to a record-setting extension with the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks gave Njigba a four-year, $168.6 million extension to make him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Even his guaranteed money, $120 million, is a record for NFL receivers.

Njigba is the reigning Offensive Player of the Year. Last season, he led the league with 1,793 receiving yards. In the conference championship game against the Los Angeles Rams, Njigba had 10 receptions for 153 yards. 

The Seahawks drafted Njigba with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Njigba was drafted into a crowded wide receiver group with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Despite this, Njigba had 628 yards in his rookie season.

Njigba rose to stardom in the 2024 season, having 1,130 receiving yards to earn his first Pro Bowl appearance. 

Despite only having 27 receiving yards in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots, Njigba is a vital part of the Seahawks’ offense.

Earlier this offseason, the Seahawks allowed reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Seahawks already exercised Njigba’s fifth-year option. This will be a $15 million cap hit for the Seahawks in 2027. This new contract will run through the 2031 season, with the contract going into effect in the 2028 season.

By the final season of the contract, Njigba will be guaranteed $49 million. This will account for 11.5% of the Seahawks’ total cap space.

NFL training camps will start in July. Njigba and the Seahawks will be entering training camp with vastly different expectations. In 2025, they missed the playoffs the season before and were looking to incorporate their new quarterback, Sam Darnold, but this season they will need to ensure they get back to their play from last season to try to defend their title.