The Seattle Seahawks have locked up their offensive cornerstone, signing Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a four-year, US$168.6 million (around A$253 million) contract extension - the richest deal ever handed to an NFL wide receiver at US$42.15 million per year.

The 22-year-old becomes only the second wide receiver in NFL history to sign above $40 million per year, surpassing Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase's previous record of $40.4 million annually. Smith-Njigba now joins the ranks of the highest paid NFL players in the league.

For the Seahawks, who claimed a Super Bowl LX title and enter 2026 as defending champions, the extension confirms Smith-Njigba as the franchise's offensive centrepiece for the foreseeable future.

Record Season Behind the Record Money

Smith-Njigba's payday follows a dominant 2025 campaign. The Seattle Times reported he led the entire NFL in receiving yards with 1,973 for the season, while his 100 catches tied Tyler Lockett's franchise record. The performance earned him NFL Offensive Player of the Year honours - only the second Seahawk to claim that award, after running back Shaun Alexander in 2005.

His biggest performance arrived when it mattered most. In the NFC Championship against the Los Angeles Rams, Smith-Njigba reportedly posted 10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown in Seattle's 31-27 victory, sending the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl appearance in eleven years.

The deal also sets a new franchise benchmark. Smith-Njigba's $42.15 million annual average eclipses Russell Wilson's $35 million per year as the largest contract in Seahawks history, and makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the entire league.

Extension Structure and Seahawks Outlook

The contract carries $69.13 million fully guaranteed at signing, with $120 million guaranteed for injury across the full term. According to reports, Smith-Njigba will receive around $36.5 million in 2026 alone - a $35 million signing bonus, a $1.25 million base salary and a $250,000 workout bonus.

Combined with his existing rookie deal, the arrangement runs through 2031 and is worth $195.1 million over six years.

One NFL salary cap expert described the deal as "truly stunning," noting Smith-Njigba will earn around $62.5 million in year-one compensation - roughly $9 million more than the equivalent figure in Chase's deal. The Seattle Times reported the early signing was structured to prevent potential complications with rival teams' negotiations.

At just 22, Smith-Njigba is now the face of a Seahawks franchise in transition, secured through his peak years as Seattle looks to defend its Super Bowl title. The 2026 NFL regular season is scheduled to kick off in September AEST.