Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon, both first-round selections by the Seattle Seahawks in 2023, are expected to receive significant contract extensions as they enter the final year of their rookie deals. With the team’s recent Super Bowl run highlighting their importance, the Seahawks face decisions this offseason on extensions or fifth-year options for these young talents. The focus is particularly on Smith-Njigba’s potential new contract, anticipated to reach $40 million annually.
Smith-Njigba’s Rise and Contract Details
Smith-Njigba, 23, is renowned for his outstanding college career at Ohio State, holding records for the most receptions in a game (15, achieved twice) and the highest single-season receiving yards (1,606 in 2021). Following a third-team All-American honor in 2021, he entered the 2023 NFL Draft early. His rookie contract, signed for four years at $14,417,308 including a $7,485,316 signing bonus, projects a cap hit of $3,931,993 for the 2025 season.
In his rookie NFL season, Smith-Njigba played all 17 games, securing 119 receptions from 163 targets, gaining 1,793 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns, firmly establishing himself as a key offensive weapon for the Seahawks.
Witherspoon’s Performance and Contract Status
Defensive standout Devon Witherspoon, 25, was a consistent starter at Illinois over three years and earned consensus All-American and first-team All-Big 10 honors in his senior season. After being selected fifth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, he agreed to a four-year contract worth $31,861,152, including a $20,171,748 signing bonus. Witherspoon’s salary in 2026 will be $1,145,000 with a projected cap number of $10,137,639.
This past season, Witherspoon appeared in 12 games, notching 72 tackles, two tackles for loss, an interception, a fumble recovery, and seven passes defended, cementing his reputation as a top cornerback prospect.
Implications for Seahawks’ Future Roster Planning
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, both Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon are poised to command top-tier contracts among wide receivers and cornerbacks, respectively. This financial commitment may challenge the Seahawks as they balance salaries and roster depth moving forward.
“I expect Smith-Njigba to be the next $40 million per year receiver, while Witherspoon should be among the highest-paid cornerbacks, which will naturally make it much more difficult to build out the rest of the roster going forward.” ?Adam Schefter, NFL Insider
As these extensions develop, Seattle’s strategy will play a critical role in maintaining competitiveness and sustaining the momentum from their recent campaign.
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
