Thanks to his earning a Pro Bowl nod, Seattle Seahawks wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be making significantly more on his fifth-year option in 2027.
Because he was a first-round pick in 2023, Smith-Njigba qualifies for the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, which the Seahawks will definitely pick up in 2026.
But that fifth-year option just went up from a projected $17.5 million to a projected $24.3 million, according to Over The Cap, as a result of his Pro Bowl selection.
Prior to his nod this season, JSN didn't qualify for the Pro Bowl escalator on his fifth-year option because he was a replacement rather than a direct selection last season. JSN replaced Washington Commanders wideout Terry McLaurin.
Smith-Njigba is in the midst of his best season as a pro and has cemented himself as one of the league's elite receivers in the process.
Entering Week 17, Smith-Njigba has tallied 104 receptions, 1,637 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, ranking fourth, first and tied for third among pass-catchers.
When the page turns to 2026, Smith-Njigba will be eligible for a contract extension and the Seahawks would be wise to get that done sooner rather than later. A failure to do so will only make his price tag go up.
Smith-Njigba may very well reset the market, or at least come close, and the more wide receiver contract extensions that happen between now and when JSN gets his could raise the top-of-the-market amount.
The current leader in the clubhouse for receiver contracts is Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja'Marr Chase, who ranks first in total value ($161 million) and annual average ($40.2 million).
It's fair to believe that Smith-Njigba could eclipse the $40 million mark if he keeps playing at the elite level he has this season.
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