The Seattle Seahawks opened the pockets for extensive receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, agreeing to a four-year, $168.6 million deal, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday.
The deal contains $120 million assured and can make him the highest-paid wide receiver ($42.15 million) within the NFL. Smith-Njigba handed Cincinnati Bengals extensive receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who makes $40.25 million a season.
Smith-Njigba delivers regular, elite manufacturing. However the query stays: Do the Seahawks have sufficient behind him?
Patriots shut down Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Tremendous Bowl
The Patriots supplied a potential blueprint within the Tremendous Bowl for defending towards Seattle, holding Smith-Njigba to 4 catches for 27 yards. Seattle nonetheless received, thanks largely to Tremendous Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who rushed for 135 yards — however he’s now gone after signing with Kansas Metropolis in free company.
That absence places extra strain on Seattle’s receiving corps. Cooper Kupp underwhelmed as a WR2 in 2025, ending with 593 yards.
Rashid Shaheed, acquired from New Orleans earlier than the commerce deadline, brings velocity and big-play means (11.3 yards per catch in 2025). However his best affect should still come on particular groups, the place he returned each a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns final season.
Smith-Njigba did his half, main the league with 1,793 receiving yards and including 10 touchdowns in 17 video games.
But when defenses comply with New England’s blueprint, Seattle will want extra from its supporting solid.
The Seahawks have invested closely, additionally locking up left deal with Charles Cross (4 years, $104.4 million) and signing Shaheed to a three-year, $51 million deal.
Now comes the tougher half: proving they’ve sufficient round their star receiver to justify it.
