The Seattle Seahawks are the NFC's number 1 seed, earning a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. It's a big deal for Seattle, and they wouldn't have gotten here if it weren't for Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
JSN had a breakout season and was one of the best players in the NFL. His production this season is among the best ever, and he's more than deserving of some end-of-season accolades.
But, ESPN's Bill Barnwell didn't name Smith-Njigba his Offensive Player of the Year, instead awarding it to division rival Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. It's a baffling snub from Barnwell, as what JSN did this season was nothing short of award-worthy.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba snubbed by Puka Nacua by ESPN analyst
"Smith-Njigba (3.86) narrowly topped Nacua (3.82) in yards per route run after a quiet Week 18 for the Rams star, but Nacua led the league with a 98 in ESPN's receiver scores, the third-best mark posted by any wideout in any season since 2017." Barnwell writes.
Barnwell calls Nacua the Offensive Player of the Year, snubbing Smith-Njigba despite the Seahawks receiver working with less at quarterback, with Sam Darnold not being as great as MVP candidate Matthew Stafford.
The reason why Nacua earned the honor over JSN was, according to Barnwell, "He just wasn't quite as dominant as his counterpart in the NFC West."
But, Smith-Njigba also didn't get much action in the second half of games for Seattle as they build big leads very quickly in games, meaning he didn't need to rack up more yards in the second halves of many games this season.
More: Seahawks' Sam Darnold ties NFL record previously held by only Tom Brady
Despite that, JSN finished the year with 119 receptions for a league-leading and top-10 all-time total of 1,793 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns this season.
Nacua had a strong 2025, finishing with 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns. His receiving yards total is 14th all-time, a bit behind JSN at eighth all-time.
Both players were incredible, and both are deserving of accolades this season. They will likely be the NFL's First Team All-Pro wide receivers this season.
But, regarding the Offensive Player of the Year Award, Smith-Njigba's breakout season with a weaker quarterback and a supporting cast makes his 2025 campaign all the more impressive and deserving of this honor.
This award from Barnwell isn't the official one, but it's a worrying sign for Seahawks fans hoping to see Smith-Njigba earn an end-of-season award for his breakout 2025 season.
More Seahawks News:
- Seahawks have a good omen on their hands thanks to Pope Leo XIV
- Mike Macdonald on No. 1–seed Seahawks: 'We’re a young team with an idiot head coach'
- NFL QBs to lead two teams to 14-win seasons: Sam Darnold joins Tom Brady, Peyton Manning on exclusive list
- Seahawks defense by the numbers: How unit carried Seattle to win over 49ers, top seed in NFC
- 49ers vs. Seahawks final score, result: Seattle takes NFC's No. 1 seed with defensive masterclass vs. San Francisco
- Seahawks playoff picture: Seattle clinches NFC West title, No. 1 seed with win over 49ers