JSN wants to be J$N.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the 2025 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, is looking to become the league’s highest-paid receiver and eclipse a value of $40 million per year on an extension with the Super Bowl champion Seahawks.
“I believe I deserve to be the highest-paid in my position,” Smith-Njigba told WFAA in his hometown of Dallas.
“Just what I give to the game and the community, I give it my all. And I think that’s worth a lot more.”
The 2023 first-round pick is extension-eligible this offseason for the first time in his career, and the timing couldn’t be better.
He just led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards on 119 catches, including 10 for touchdowns, and answered any questions about whether the Seahawks were right to trade DK Metcalf last offseason.
Consider Smith-Njigba’s comments a warning for general manager John Schneider more than a pressing demand.
Smith-Njigba didn’t sound like he is in a rush to get an extension done, though it might be in the Seahawks’ best interest to act urgently because the high end of the market tends to only go up over time.
“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 going to be a great deal. God’s timing is perfect timing, so whenever that may come, we’ll be ready for it.”
Preparations for the Seahawks to pay a Super Bowl tax on some of their stars already seem to be underway.
Super Bowl 2026 MVP Kenneth Walker reportedly will not be franchise-tagged and could leave in free agency as the Seahawks plan to spend money elsewhere.
The Seahawks can exercise fifth-year options by May 1 to keep control over Smith-Njigba and another 2023 first-round pick turned All-Pro, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, for 2027.
The Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase is the NFL’s highest-paid receiver in terms of annual average at $40.25 million.
The Vikings’ Justin Jefferson ranks a distant No. 2 at $35 million per year.
“I would play this game for free,” Smith-Njigba said. “I love this game so much. But you don’t have to, and I’m learning to be a good businessman, and we need that check at the end of the day.”
