The Seattle Seahawks are fresh off a championship, and attention has already shifted from the parade to the payroll. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is eligible for extension with one year remaining on his rookie contract before his fifth-year option takes effect. After the season he delivered, the contract conversation was inevitable.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Addresses Extension Timeline
During a recent sitdown with reporter Jonah Javad, Smith-Njigba was asked directly about his contract status and whether he wants an extension completed this offseason. The question also touched on his desire to become the highest-paid receiver in the NFL.
Smith-Njigba said he is not rushing the process. He expressed confidence that the deal will happen at the right time and on the right terms.
“Yeah, I’m really not too pressed right now to get it done,” Smith-Njigba said. “I know my time is coming, and when we get it done, it’s gonna be a great deal. And God’s timing is perfect timing. So whenever that may come, we’ll be ready for it.”
The receiver market continues to climb, with elite contracts now surpassing $30 million per year. Smith-Njigba does not distance himself from that tier. He pointed to his production, impact, and commitment to the game as justification for aiming at the top of the position’s salary structure.
“I think, I believe I deserve to be the highest-paid in my position and just what I give to the game and the community,” Smith-Njigba said. “I give it my all. And I think that’s worth a lot more. I would play this game for free. I love this game so much. You don’t have to. I’m learning to be a good businessman and we need that check at the end of the day.”
His belief aligns with what he produced in 2025. Smith-Njigba finished the regular season with 119 receptions for a league-leading 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He averaged more than 105 receiving yards per game across 17 contests and became the centerpiece of Seattle’s offense during its Super Bowl run. He was PFSN’s No. 2 receiver in the Wide Receiver Impact Metric.
Smith-Njigba became just the second player in league history to lead the NFL in receiving, win Offensive Player of the Year, and win the Super Bowl in the same season. Cooper Kupp accomplished the same feat in 2021.
Smith-Njigba also set a Seahawks franchise record for receiving yards and earned First-Team All-Pro honors. He carried that form into the postseason, helping Seattle power a 29–13 Super Bowl victory over the Patriots.
Seattle now faces the decision that follows every championship season. The franchise can move early to secure its premier offensive weapon long term, or it can allow the existing contract structure to play out. Smith-Njigba’s stance is steady. He believes he has earned market-setting value and is comfortable letting the timing unfold.
