The Seattle Seahawks are rewarding the reigning Offensive Player of the Year. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is now the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.
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According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Smith-Njigba scored a four-year extension that is worth $168.6 million. This includes $120 million in guaranteed money. The average salary of $42.15 million is now the most for an NFL receiver.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase previously held this mark with an average salary of $40.25 million.
Smith-Njigba has been a pivotal part of the Seahawks offense since entering the NFL as a first-round pick in 2023. He has played with multiple quarterbacks while posting two 1,000-yard seasons.
Last year served as a standout campaign. The former Ohio State quarterback led the NFL with 1,790 yards. He averaged 15.1 yards per catch, and he caught 10 touchdown passes from quarterback Sam Darnold.
He continued the success with three playoff games. He caught 17 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns. The majority of this production (153 yards with one touchdown) came in the NFC championship against the rival Los Angeles Rams.
Smith-Njigba earned multiple honors with this campaign. He earned his second trip to the Pro Bowl and his first First-Team All-Pro nod. He won Offensive Player of the Year at the annual NFL Honors ceremony.
The Seahawks have now awarded extensions to two key playmakers. The team also signed wide receiver Rashid Shaheed to a three-year contract worth $51 million. This deal includes a $20 million signing bonus, $34.735 million guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $17 million.
While Smith-Njigba made the biggest impact on passing plays, Shaheed showed his abilities as a specialist. He delivered a punt return touchdown against the Rams late in the regular season. He also scored a touchdown on a kick return against the Falcons.
Now, he will have a full offseason to build more chemistry with Darnold as he prepares for his first full season with the Seahawks.
