Jaxon Smith-Njigba is getting some serious recognition heading into the 2026 NFL season. Fox Sports named the Seattle Seahawks wide receiver the No. 6 best player in the NFL, which is a big statement for a player who's just 24 years old. But after what Smith-Njigba did last season, it's tough to say he hasn't earned it.
One of the best route runners in the league, Smith-Njigba showed in 2025 that he's much more than just a slot receiver. Sports news: Broncos QB Bo Nix Already Easing Concerns Heading Into 2026 The Ohio State product set Seahawks franchise single-season records with 119 receptions and 1,793 receiving yards. He also took home the league's Offensive Player of the Year award.
Seattle saw what it had in Smith-Njigba and rewarded him accordingly. The Seahawks signed him to a lucrative contract extension. Now, though, the expectations are even higher.
With Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker Jr. leaving in free agency for the Kansas City Chiefs and Brian Fleury taking over as offensive coordinator for Klint Kubiak, who's now the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, Smith-Njigba is going to be counted on to carry even more of Seattle's offense. More sports: Jets Should Feel Good About Their Defense After Preseason Showing Smith-Njigba accounted for 44% of Seattle's receiving yards last season, the highest percentage by any player in the league. He also led the Seahawks in receiving yards in 16 of 17 games, which was the most in a regular season in NFL history.
So, yeah, Smith-Njigba has already shown that he can handle being the focal point of an offense. The real question is whether he can do it again and get the Seahawks back to the Super Bowl.
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