WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba: ‘I think I deserve to be the highest-paid at my position’

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is eligible for a new contract because he has played three seasons on his rookie deal.

While Smith-Njigba says he isn't pressing the issue, the 2025 AP Offensive Player of the Year said he believes he should be the NFL's highest-paid wide receiver.

"I'm really not too pressed right now to get it done," Smith-Njigba told WFAA-TV. "I know my time is coming, and when we get it done it's gonna be a great deal. God's timing is perfect timing, so whenever that may come, we'll be ready for it. I think I deserve to be the highest-paid at 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, lot more."

Smith-Njigba, who turned 24 last Saturday, has one season remaining on his four-year, $14.4 million rookie contract.

"I would play this game for free, I love this game so much, but you don't have to," he said. "I'm learning to be a good businessman, and we need that check at the end of the day."

Smith-Njigba put himself in position for a big payday after leading the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards in the 2025 regular season. He also had 119 receptions and 10 touchdowns en route to being selected for his second straight Pro Bowl.

Smith-Njigba didn't stop there, totaling 199 yards and two touchdowns in three postseason games as the Seahawks won the franchise's second Super Bowl title.

He has 282 catches for 3,551 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns in 51 games (36 starts) since being selected out of Ohio State by the Seahawks with the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase, 25, is the highest-paid wide receiver in terms of annual salary at $40.25 million. He signed a four-year, $161 million contract extension last March.