The Seattle Seahawks secured the Super Bowl championship earlier this month at Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area, outclassing Drake Maye and the New England Patriots in a decisive victory. With this triumph, the Seahawks are focusing on maintaining their dominance as they prepare for the challenging 2026 NFL season ahead.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Aims for Highest-Paid Wide Receiver Status
Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as a pivotal figure during the Seahawks’ remarkable 2025 season, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s top wide receivers. After his standout performance helped the Seahawks claim a Super Bowl title, Smith-Njigba has made it clear he expects his contract to reflect his elite standing in the NFL.
Eligible for a contract extension this offseason, Smith-Njigba shared his perspective in an interview with Jonah Javad of WFAA, as reported by Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team.
“I’m not really too pressed right now to get it done,”
Smith-Njigba said regarding contract negotiations.
“I know my time is coming, and when we get it done, it’s going to be a great deal. God’s timing is perfect timing. So whenever that may come, we’ll be ready for it.”
The 24-year-old wideout backed up his confidence with career-best statistics during the 2025 regular season, finishing with 1,793 receiving yards — the most in the NFL — alongside 119 receptions and 10 touchdowns. His playoff performance added 199 receiving yards and two touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as a premier talent.
Smith-Njigba also emphasized the importance of fair compensation in his career, blending his passion for the game with business acumen.
“I think I deserve to be the highest paid in my position, and what I give to the game and my community. I give it my all, and I think that’s worth a lot more. I would play this game for free. I love this game so much, but you don’t have to, and I’m learning to be a good businessman and we need that check at the end of the day.”
Veteran Cooper Kupp to Continue His Seahawks Journey
Alongside the contract situation surrounding Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks will retain veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp for the 2026 season. Kupp’s tenure with Seattle was confirmed by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, following a contractual provision that guaranteed his 2026 salary.
Kupp’s three-year, $45 million contract has a provision that made $9 million in 2026 salary fully-guaranteed as of Friday, February 13. By not releasing him before the money vested, it means the Seahawks will be keeping Kupp for at least another year.
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk
Though Kupp no longer holds the same dominant presence he once commanded with the Los Angeles Rams, he remains an influential player in Seattle’s lineup. In the previous season, Kupp recorded 47 receptions for 593 yards and two touchdowns, supplementing that with 15 catches for 157 yards and a touchdown in the postseason.
At 32 years old and a future Hall of Famer, Kupp’s experience and skills add depth to the Seahawks’ roster as they aim for another Super Bowl run.
The Road Ahead for the Seahawks and Their Star Receivers
The Seahawks face a critical offseason as they negotiate Smith-Njigba’s expected contract extension while relying on the veteran presence of Cooper Kupp. Smith-Njigba’s demand for the top wide receiver salary highlights his rapid rise in the NFL and the value he brings to Seattle’s offense and community efforts.
The combined talents of Smith-Njigba and Kupp offer the Seahawks a dynamic receiving corps poised to compete at the highest level. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, managing these contracts and maintaining team chemistry will be essential to sustaining their status as Super Bowl contenders.
#Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba told @JonahJavad that he believes he should be the NFL’s highest-paid WR, which would mean topping $40.25M per year — the current record held by Ja’Marr Chase.
JSN is eligible for an extension this offseason.
(via @JonahJavad, @wfaa /IG) pic.twitter.com/JIPo0uQGQ3
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 20, 2026
