Seahawks star makes $40.3 million contract demand that should have the Rams paying close attention
CBS Sports
by
John Breech
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a rising star in the NFL, has made waves by demanding an annual salary of $40.3 million, putting him on track to become the highest-paid receiver in the league. After a career-defining 2025 season where he led the league in receiving yards with 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns, Smith-Njigba is looking to cash in on his success. His current deal, which pays him just $1.55 million per year, is far from commensurate with his performance, and he has made it clear that he believes he deserves top-tier compensation.
The Seahawks, who drafted Smith-Njigba with the 23rd overall pick in 2023, have until the 2026 season to negotiate a new contract. While they could extend his deal earlier, there’s no immediate pressure to do so, as Smith-Njigba remains under team control through 2027. However, the stakes are high: to secure him at the top of the receiver market, Seattle would likely need to guarantee over $110 million in his new contract. The challenge for the Seahawks is balancing their financial priorities while retaining one of the NFL’s most explosive young players.
Meanwhile, Smith-Njigba’s demand highlights a broader trend in the NFL: receivers are commanding record-breaking contracts. Currently, Ja’Marr Chase holds the title with an average annual salary of $40.25 million, followed by Justin Jefferson at $35 million per year. If Smith-Njigba achieves his goal, he would join this elite group, setting a new standard for receiver compensation.
The ripple effects of this contract negotiation extend beyond Seattle. The Los Angeles Rams, who currently have Puka Nacua under contract, are closely monitoring the situation. Nacua, who has been one of the league’s bargains over the past three years, is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season. If Smith-Njigba secures a massive deal, it could inspire similar demands from Nacua and other receivers across the NFL.
For fans and teams alike, this moment underscores the evolving economics
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/23/2026