THE Seattle Seahawks just made Jaxon Smith-Njigba the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver, but he might not hold that title for much longer.
The reigning Super Bowl champs signed Smith-Njigba to a four-year, $168.6m contract.
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Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba celebrates after a win over the Houston Texans on October 20, 2025Credit: Getty
Smith-Njigba spotted after his Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl LX last monthCredit: Getty
The extension was expected after Seattle picked up Smith-Njigba’s fifth-year option last week.
JSN proved that he could be one of the league’s elite receivers in 2025.
The Seahawks opted to make Smith-Njigba the No. 1 option after moving on from DK Metcalf.
That decision helped Smith-Njigba put together one of the best seasons of all time.
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The Oklahoma native recorded 119 receptions for 1,793 yards, which was a franchise record, and 10 touchdowns, which led to him receiving unanimous first-team All-Pro honors and winning Offensive Player of the Year.
JSN then helped the Seahawks win Super Bowl 60, totaling 17 receptions for 199 yards and two touchdowns during the postseason run.
His salary eclipses the previous high for a wide receiver: Ja’Marr Chase‘s contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, which has an average annual value of $40.2 million.
Smith-Njigba’s deal averages $42.1 million per year and has over $120 million in guaranteed money.
It’s likely, however, that JSN won’t hold the league’s highest-paid wide receiver for long.
Who can jump Smith-Njigba as the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL?
Puka Nacua
Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wild Card game on January 10Credit: Getty
The Los Angeles Rams could work on handing a bigger extension to Puka Nacua, who also put together a stellar season in 2025.
Nacua led the league in receptions and receiving yards per game.
And he totaled 332 receiving yards and two touchdowns in three postseason games.
However, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported this week that he expects to be “a while” before Nacua signs an extension, calling it a “different situation” than Smith-Njigba’s due to the fact that the Rams have to pay several other players.
George Pickens
Dallas Cowboys star George Pickens walks off the field after a win over the Philadelphia Eagles on November 23, 2025Credit: Getty
The Dallas Cowboys could also give George Pickens a record contract.
After three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pickens finally showed what he’s capable of, hauling in 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in his first campaign in Dallas.
The Cowboys have placed the franchise tag on the 25-year-old this offseason, which is set to pay him $27.2 million fully guaranteed if he plays on it this season.
Pickens could look for a long-term deal, but it’s a matter of whether Dallas, which is known for waiting for the last moment to re-sign their own talent, agrees to it.
Honorable mention: Drake London
Atlanta Falcons star Drake London seen following a touchdown during a 2024 gameCredit: AP
Atlanta Falcons star Drake London is someone to monitor in this conversation thanks to his production so far in the league.
In 2024, the No. 8 overall pick recorded career-highs in receptions (100), receiving yards (1,271), and touchdowns (9).
However, London played just 12 games due to injury in 2025.
The Falcons picked up the 24-year-old’s fifth-year option for next season.
Still, London and his reps could look for a payday that can come close to what Smith-Njigba received this week.