When the Seattle Seahawks drafted Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, it marked the first time since 2010 that Seattle had made multiple first-round selections. So far, so good, and the Seahawks have themselves a pair of All-Pro talents and the reigning Offensive Player of the Year.
As the Super Bowl champions prepare for another busy offseason, there will be watchful eyes on the contract situations of both JSN and ‘Spoon. They are entering the final years of their respective rookie deals (pending any fifth-year option decisions), and they’re surely going to be commanding top dollar for their stellar performances. JSN was recently interviewed by Dallas’ WFAA radio about a new contract, and indicated he wants to be the NFL’s highest paid receiver.
“I’m really not too pressed right now to get it done,” Smith-Njigba said (via ESPN). “I know my time is coming, and when we get it done, it’s going to be a great deal. God’s timing is perfect timing, so whenever that may come, we’ll be ready for it. I believe I deserve to be the highest paid in my position. Just what I give to the game and the community, I give it my all, and I think that’s worth a lot more.”
Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase is the current highest paid WR at a little over $40 million/year, while everyone else is at least $5 million below that.
We can discuss the money another day, but ESPN’s Brady Henderson had this nugget in the same JSN article:
The Seahawks plan to work out new deals this offseason for Smith-Njigba and Pro Bowl cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who were both first-round picks in 2023. Seattle can exercise a fifth-year option on both contracts by May 1.
The Seahawks had previously never exercised a fifth-year option on their first-rounders under John Schneider, but Charles Cross not only broke that streak last offseason, he received a new contract before the end of this past regular season. Seattle typically does not agree to contract extensions with players who have two years left on their deals, so perhaps Cross is the start of a new process instead of an exception.
Hey, the Seahawks have a healthy amount of salary cap space, and unless you’re of the opinion that the Seahawks are going to forever have seamlessly successful draft picks, this is the price that comes with drafting elite players who will soon command top dollar.