A recent report shared that the Seattle Seahawks “are unlikely to use their franchise tag” on running back and Super Bowl LX Most Valuable Player Kenneth Walker III this winter.
Meanwhile, star Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is eligible for a contract extension following the best season to date of his young career. During a recent appearance on Dallas television station WFAA, Smith-Njigba sent quite a message to the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a big goal for signing contract extension
“I’m really not too pressed right now to get it done,” Smith-Njigba said about putting pen to paper on an expected extension, per ESPN’s Brady Henderson. “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. I believe I deserve to be the highest paid in my position. Just what I give to the game and the community, I give it my all, and I think that’s worth a lot more.”
ESPN stats show that Smith-Njigba ended the regular season ranked first in the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards, fourth with 119 receptions and tied for sixth with 10 receiving touchdowns en route to winning Offensive Player of the Year Award honors. He then caught 10 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown in Seattle’s win over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC title game.
According to Spotrac, Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals is currently the league’s highest-paid receiver via a deal that pays him an annual average salary of $40.25M. While Smith-Njigba seemingly wants to better Chase’s deal, it also sounds like the 24-year-old is eager to keep calling Seattle home for the foreseeable future.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba “would play this game for free,” but…
“I would play this game for free,” Smith-Njigba added during the interview. “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.”
Henderson mentioned that “the Seahawks plan to work out new deals this offseason for Smith-Njigba and Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon.” Seattle can exercise a fifth-year option for 2027 on the contracts for both players by May 1.