For weeks, the Seattle Seahawks’ offense had been quietly climbing toward something dangerous — efficient, explosive, and balanced behind a rejuvenated Sam Darnold.
But Sunday’s 20–12 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars felt like the moment that potential fully clicked, and at the center of it all was second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
The former Ohio State standout didn’t just lead Seattle in production — he took over the game.
With eight catches for a season-high 162 yards and a touchdown, Smith-Njigba carved up one of the AFC’s hottest teams, powering the Seahawks to their fourth win of the season and another signature performance on the road.
It was enough to make national analysts take notice. On Pro Football Talk, Mike Florio and Chris Simms praised the emergence of the young receiver, calling Smith-Njigba “a human highlight film” and “one of the best two or three receivers in the NFL right now.”
From Role Player to Relentless Playmaker
The numbers back it up. Smith-Njigba currently leads the NFL in receiving yards (696) while ranking tied for fifth in targets (with Garrett Wilson) and tied for fifth in receptions (with Ja’Marr Chase).
He’s averaging 16.6 yards per catch, joining an exclusive group of five receivers — Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, Emeka Egbuka, and George Pickens — who have at least 25 receptions and average over 15 yards per grab.
For a player once praised for polish more than explosion, Smith-Njigba is redefining his scouting report in real time.
Every week, he’s creating chunk plays that stretch defenses and energize an offense that was once methodical. Simms said it best: “It helps when you have that guy.”
Seattle’s Offensive Identity Has a New Face
Paired with Darnold’s revived deep-ball rhythm and Clint Kubiak’s balanced scheme, Smith-Njigba has become the engine of Seattle’s offense.
His ability to win both outside and from the slot has forced defenses into pick-your-poison situations — bracket him deep, or risk single coverage that often ends in a highlight reel.
As Simms noted, “They’re another team that looks to strike, not dink and dunk.” That aggression has made Smith-Njigba the face of Seattle’s vertical identity.
He currently leads all NFL receivers with 116 yards per game, far ahead of Puka Nacua (102.7) and Justin Jefferson (89.8).
The Seahawks’ 4–2 start has them tied with the Los Angeles Rams atop the NFC West, and Smith-Njigba’s rise is a major reason why.
His presence alongside veterans Cooper Kupp and Kenneth Walker has given Seattle one of the most balanced and unpredictable offenses in the conference.
Simms even suggested that Seattle may have “the best roster in the NFC West” — a statement that carries weight when paired with Smith-Njigba’s emergence as a legitimate Offensive Player of the Year candidate.
Florio summed it up simply: “He’s in the conversation for one of the best receivers in football.”
At this rate, that conversation might already be over.