Seattle Seahawks Face Looming Contract Extensions For Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon can negotiate contract extensions for the first time.
Both players entered the fourth year of their rookie contracts after standout performances in Seattle’s Super Bowl season.
Smith-Njigba, who led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards in 2025, finished with 119 catches and 10 touchdowns across 17 games. The 23-year-old won AP Offensive Player of the Year earlier this month.
Witherspoon appeared in 12 games during the regular season, recording 72 total tackles, one interception, and seven passes defended. The cornerback earned a second-team All-Pro selection and graded as Pro Football Focus’s top cornerback.
Seattle selected both in the 2023 NFL Draft. Smith-Njigba went 20th overall while Witherspoon was the fifth pick.
Feb 5, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) talks to media members at the San Jose Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Feb 5, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) talks to media members at the San Jose Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
For the first time in their standout NFL careers, Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba and CB Devon Witherspoon both are now eligible for contract extensions. Both will want new lucrative deals.
With @DanStanczyk:
🎧 https://t.co/BdOBwWhOGv pic.twitter.com/jkMomoBXXB
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 10, 2026
Smith-Njigba Positioned For Top Receiver Money After Record Year
Schefter expects Smith-Njigba to command roughly $40 million annually, which would place him among the league’s highest-paid receivers. Justin Jefferson currently leads all receivers at $35 million per year.
The former Ohio State star set a Seahawks franchise record for receiving yards. His 1,793 yards ranked eighth in NFL single-season history. Smith-Njigba averaged 105.5 receiving yards per game and topped 100 yards in nine contests.
Seattle signed him to a four-year, $14.4 million deal. His contract included a $7.5 million signing bonus and carried a $3.9 million cap hit for 2025.
The receiver caught 72 or more yards in 16 of 17 games. He formed a strong connection with quarterback Sam Darnold after the Seahawks moved on from Geno Smith.
Witherspoon Extension Could Reset Cornerback Market After Elite Season
Seattle Seahawks, Devon Witherspoon
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Witherspoon posted an 89.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking first among 114 cornerbacks. The 25-year-old defender excelled in multiple areas during his third season.
He led all cornerbacks in pressures with 10 despite ranking 54th in total snaps played. His 86.7 run defense grade ranked second among cornerbacks while his 91.8 pass rush grade placed third.
Seattle drafted Witherspoon with a pick acquired in the Russell Wilson trade. The team signed him to a four-year, $31.9 million fully guaranteed rookie contract with a $20.2 million signing bonus.
Witherspoon missed five games due to lingering knee injury but maintained his effectiveness when healthy. He recorded a fumble recovery during a December win over Atlanta.
The Illinois product has logged at least 72 tackles in each of his three NFL seasons. His career numbers include 32 pass breakups across 43 games.
Schefter warned of the “Super Bowl tax” facing championship teams. Speaking on his podcast, he explained how paying top dollar for multiple stars creates roster construction challenges.
Seattle enters the offseason with $72.3 million in cap space. General manager John Schneider must balance rewarding key contributors while maintaining depth for another championship run.