Seahawks exercise 5th-year options on WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, CB Devon Witherspoon

Field Level Media
22 Mar 2026, 01:10 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images)

The Seattle Seahawks exercised the fifth-year options of star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and standout cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

Both players were first-round picks in 2023. Using the option keeps both players under contract through the 2027 season.

Smith-Njigba is slated to receive $23.9 million in 2027, while Witherspoon is expected to earn $21.2 million.

The move doesn't prevent the Super Bowl champions from signing either player to a long-term extension.

Smith-Njigba recently said he expects to be the highest-paid player at his position. Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase currently holds that distinction with a $40.25 million annual average per his four-year, $161 million deal.

Smith-Njigba was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2025 when he set franchise records of 119 receptions and 1,793 receiving yards. He also caught 10 scoring passes.

Smith-Njigba, who turned 24 last month, has 282 receptions for 3,551 yards and 20 touchdown catches in 51 NFL games (36 starts). The 20th overall pick in 2023 out of Ohio State is a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

Witherspoon, 25, was the fifth overall pick from Illinois in 2023 and has made the Pro Bowl in all three of his seasons. He has 249 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two interceptions in 43 games (42 starts) for Seattle.

Witherspoon returned an interception 97 yards for a touchdown against the New York Giants during his 2023 rookie campaign.

--Field Level Media

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