Jaxon Smith-Njigba is now the highest-paid receiver in NFL history.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Smith-Njigba agreed Monday to a four-year, $168.6 million extension with the Seattle Seahawks, setting a new benchmark for pass catchers across the league. The deal carries an average annual value of $42.15 million and includes $120 million guaranteed — both records for a wide receiver.
ESPN Sources: Offensive Player of the Year and Super-Bowl champion Jaxon Smith-Njigba reached agreement with the Seattle Seahawks on a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension that now makes him the highest-paid WR in NFL history.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 23, 2026
The deal averages $42.15 million per year, pic.twitter.com/WFBtZqE4L2
Ja’Marr Chase previously held that distinction after signing a four-year, $161 million extension with the Cincinnati Bengals in March 2025. His deal averaged $40.25 million per year and included $112 million guaranteed.
Smith-Njigba’s payday comes on the heels of one of the greatest seasons ever by a former Ohio State player. He earned All-Pro honors, captured the NFL receiving title, was named Offensive Player of the Year and capped the year with a Super Bowl victory. In the regular season, he totaled 119 receptions for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns, then added 17 catches for 199 yards and two scores across three playoff games.
While Smith-Njigba now stands alone at the top of the market, he’s far from the only former Buckeye receiver to cash in recently. The New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson signed a four-year, $130 million deal in July 2025, while Washington Commanders standout Terry McLaurin agreed to a three-year, $97 million contract in August 2025.
Another former Ohio State star could be next. New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave, who was drafted alongside Wilson in 2022, is signed to a fifth-year option for the 2026 season but is a strong candidate for a lucrative extension of his own.
