Overview
- Smith-Njigba, who signed Wednesday, agreed to a four-year deal worth about $168.6–$168.8 million with roughly $120 million guaranteed, making him the NFL’s highest‑paid wide receiver and keeping him under contract through 2031.
- General manager John Schneider and coach Mike Macdonald called him a foundational leader at a packed team presser, praising his character after a 2025 season with 119 catches for 1,793 yards, AP Offensive Player of the Year honors, and a Super Bowl run.
- The contract resets the top of the receiver market and raises the bar for the Rams’ talks with Puka Nacua, with some outlets projecting offers above Seattle’s number and others floating trade chatter as speculation rather than an active plan.
- Washington lawmakers recently passed a high‑earner income tax that the governor supports and could start in 2028 if enacted, a change Schneider said would hurt Seattle’s recruiting edge as players’ take‑home pay falls and road games still trigger state “jock taxes.”
- Seattle completed the extension earlier than usual and plans to work next on a new deal for Pro Bowl corner Devon Witherspoon, while the structure eases short‑term cap strain because the new money follows Smith-Njigba’s fifth‑year option.