Jaxon Smith-Njigba Says He Should Be Highest-Paid NFL WR on Next Contract, 'We Need That Check'

Seattle Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba is looking to reset the market for wide receivers when he signs a new contract.

In an interview with WFAA's Jonah Javad (starts at 6:10 mark), Smith-Njigba explained his belief is that he deserves "to be the highest-paid player" at his position.

"I would play this game for free," he added. "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."

This offseason marks the first time that Smith-Njigba is eligible to extend off his rookie contract. He said in the interview that he's "not too pressed" to get a deal done right away because it will be a "great deal" whenever it happens.

Ja'Marr Chase is currently the highest-paid receiver in the NFL with a $40.3 million average salary. Justin Jefferson leads the group in terms of total guarantees ($110 million) and fully guaranteed money ($88.7 million).

There's certainly no lack of leverage for Smith-Njigba to seek the type of deal that Chase and Jefferson already have. He is coming off a season in 2025 in which he led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards and won Offensive Player of the Year.

The first order of contract business for the Seahawks with Smith-Njigba is the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. It seems like a given that will be picked up prior to the May 1 deadline.

Assuming the option gets picked up, Smith-Njigba will be under contract through the 2027 season. The Seahawks could wait on negotiating an extension based on that timeline, but the market for receivers could also go up if they were to wait until after 2026 to try getting a deal done.

Seattle is in a good financial spot to negotiate an extension with Smith-Njigba right now. The club is projected to have around $63.4 million in cap space available this offseason.