Jaxon Smith-Njigba has become one of the biggest rising stars for the Seattle Seahawks offence, especially after his historic 2025 season. He led the league in receiving yards and earned Offensive Player of the Year honours, helping Seattle reach Super Bowl LX.
With his on-field success has come a growing spotlight on his earnings and contract situation. As he enters his third NFL season, many fans are asking: How much is Smith-Njigba making, and what does his future pay look like? Let’s break down his contract in simple terms.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba contract
Smith-Njigba signed his first NFL contract with the Seattle Seahawks after being selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. His deal was a standard four-year rookie contract worth about $14.4 million, with all of the money guaranteed. That means he is assured to receive the full amount, no matter what happens.
Included in the total was a signing bonus of around $7.48 million, which was paid upfront when he signed the deal.
Here’s a breakdown of how his earnings have been structured so far:
- 2023: Approximately $8.2 million total (including signing bonus)
- 2024: About $1.4 million
- 2025: Roughly $2.06 million
- 2026: Around $2.7 million
These yearly totals include base salary and signing bonus amounts that count toward the team’s salary cap.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s fifth-year option and extension outlook
Because Smith-Njigba was a first-round pick, the Seahawks also have the right to pick up a fifth-year option on his contract.
That would keep him under contract through the 2027 season if the team chooses to exercise it.
Thanks to his standout performances in recent seasons including multiple Pro Bowl selections and leading the NFL in receiving yards his fifth-year option figure has increased.
Reports say it could be around $24 million for that fifth year, higher than what it might have been if he had not earned honours.
Beyond that option, Smith-Njigba is expected to earn a much larger new contract extension once he becomes eligible. Based on his breakout 2025 season,
Spotrac projections suggest he could sign a deal worth around $113 million over three years, with an average of roughly $37 million per year. That would make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.
Right now, Smith-Njigba’s earnings are respectable but not elite by NFL standards. His average of around $3.6 million per year on the rookie deal is typical for a top-20 draft pick.
However, on the basis of his performance and awards in 2025, he’s on track to become one of the best-paid receivers in the league especially if he and the Seahawks agree to an early extension. Future contracts for receivers with top-tier production can average $35 million or more per season, meaning Smith-Njigba’s next deal could be worth many times his current earnings.