Former Ohio State star wide receiver signs a record NFL deal
Former Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba just rewrote NFL history. See how his record deal tops Ja'Marr Chase and elevates Buckeye WR legacy.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Ohio State product who dazzled Buckeye fans with school-record receiving yards, has etched his name into NFL history as the league's highest-paid wide receiver. The Seattle Seahawks agreed Monday to a four-year, $168. 6 million contract extension with Smith-Njigba, including $120 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
The deal, coming days after Seattle exercised its fifth-year option, tops the previous benchmark set by Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase at $40. 25 million annually and jumps Smith-Njigba atop the wide receiver pay scale. Smith-Njigba's Buckeye tenure remains legendary.
As a sophomore in 2021, he set Ohio State records with 1,606 receiving yards on 95 catches, including a single-game high of 15 receptions twice and an FBS bowl-record 347 yards in the Rose Bowl. Limited to three games in 2022 by injury, he still declared for the draft, where the Seahawks selected him 20th overall . His pro explosion followed.
After a solid rookie year, Smith-Njigba earned Pro Bowl honors in 2024 with 100 catches for 1,130 yards, tying a Seahawks record. In 2025, he led the NFL with 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns, securing AP Offensive Player of the Year and a Super Bowl LX title over the New England Patriots . The #Seahawks and Jaxon Smith-Njigba have a deal, as he is now the highest paid WR in the NFL, getting a 4-year, $168.