Agent's Take: Why Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba should play the waiting game to land a record-breaking contract
CBS Sports
by
Joel Corry
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seattle Seahawks' star wide receiver, is positioning himself to potentially become the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback. Despite the team's plans to extend his contract this offseason, Smith-Njigba has expressed patience, confident that his time for a record-breaking deal will come. His comments during an interview with WFAA in Dallas highlighted his belief in his value, stating he deserves to be paid based on his contributions to both the game and the community.
Smith-Njigba’s fifth-year option for the 2027 season is projected to be around $24 million, but his ultimate goal is to surpass the current highest-paid wide receivers. Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Micah Parsons have recently reset the market with lucrative deals, including Parsons’ $186 million extension from the Dallas Cowboys to Green Bay Packers. Smith-Njigba’s performance in 2025, where he led the league with 119 receptions and 1,793 receiving yards, puts him in elite company alongside these stars.
The article highlights a pattern among top wide receivers: Chase, Jefferson, and Smith-Njigba have all been named NFL Offensive Player of the Year during their rookie contracts. Their exceptional performances have set the stage for record-breaking deals. While Chase and Jefferson signed $161 million and $140 million contracts respectively, Smith-Njigba’s potential deal could be even more lucrative due to his recent dominance.
The Seahawks’ investment in Smith-Njigba, a 2023 first-round pick, has already shown returns with his breakout season. His leadership on the field and ability to carry Seattle’s passing attack have solidified his status as one of the league’s elite receivers. As negotiations progress
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/25/2026