Reports: Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba to become highest-paid WR

Field Level Media
23 Mar 2026, 19:49 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images)

Seattle Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba recently said he expects to become the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.

He got his wish with a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension that includes $120 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports on Monday.

Smith-Njigba's $42.15 million annual salary surpasses Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase, who averages $40.25 million per season on his four-year, $161 million deal.

'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,' Smith-Njigba told WFAA-TV in February.

'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.'

The Seahawks had exercised Smith-Njigba's fifth-year option last Friday.

He was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2025 when he set franchise records with 119 receptions and 1,793 receiving yards. He also caught 10 scoring passes.

He had 17 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs last season, including four receptions for 27 yards as the Seahawks beat the New England Patriots, 29-13, in Super Bowl LX.

Smith-Njigba, who turned 24 in February, has 282 receptions for 3,551 yards and 20 touchdown catches in 51 NFL games (36 starts). The 20th overall pick in 2023 out of Ohio State is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

--Field Level Media

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