Jaxon Smith-Njigba becomes highest paid wide receiver in NFL history

Jaxon Smith Njigba (FanDuel, Wikimedia Commons)

Jaxon Smith-Njigba of Nacogdoches, Texas is a two-time Pro Bowler, reigning National Football League leader in receiving yards and Super Bowl champion. Now Smith-Njigba is the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL.

On Monday, according to Sibanee Gogoi of mandatory.com, the Seahawks signed Smith-Njigba to a four-year contract worth $168.6 million. This is an average of $42.15 million. Of the $168.6 million, $120 million is guaranteed. Remember, NFL contracts are not a slam dunk, unlike other professional sports leagues.

Smith-Njigba passes Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals. Chase of Harvey, Louisiana signed a four-year deal worth $161 million on March 18, 2025. In earning $40.25 million per season, Chase had the record for the highest contract in NFL history for a player not a quarterback when he signed the contract according to Teddy Ricketson of The Sporting News. 

This past season Smith-Njigba had 119 receptions for 1793 receiving yards along with 10 touchdown catches. He also had seven rushes for 36 rushing yards. Smith-Njigba also led the NFL in most scrimmage yards per touch (14.5). He was selected to his second consecutive Pro Bowl and was named the Offensive Player of the Year.

So where does Smith-Njigba rank among the highest paid players in the NFL including quarterbacks? You might be surprised, but only 16th according to Jason Camenker of USA Today.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott of Sulphur, Louisiana is currently making $60 million per year and is number one on this prestigious list. In fact, there are 10 quarterbacks making $50 million or more. The two non-quarterbacks making more money than Smith-Njigba are Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons ($46.5 million) and Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchison ($45 million).