Jaxon Smith-Njigba is having a superb season, currently ranking as the WR9 in PPR scoring. His second-year breakout has undoubtedly increased his value in both redraft and dynasty league formats. Let’s dive deeper into Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s dynasty outlook for this season and beyond.
Smith-Njigba had a disappointing rookie season, recording 63 receptions for 628 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He ultimately finished as the WR48 in PPR, while averaging only 8.8 fantasy points per game. While these are modest numbers for a rookie, Smith-Njigba carried high expectations after being selected 20th overall and the first wide receiver taken in the 2023 draft. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron had a challenging season with the Seahawks, as the team finished with a 9-8 record.
As mentioned above, Smith-Njigba currently ranks as the WR9 in PPR, far exceeding his ADP of WR40 in fantasy drafts this year. Smith-Njigba has already crushed his first-year stats, catching 97 passes for 829 yards and four touchdowns at the time of this article.
While Smith-Njigba was the WR24 through the first eight weeks of the season, he had a breakout performance in Week 9 in the absence of D.K Metcalf. Smith-Njigba caught seven passes for a career-high 180 yards and two touchdowns, finishing the week as the WR1 in fantasy. Since then, he has recorded at least 70 receiving yards each week and has finished as a top-15 receiver in two of the last three games. The Seahawks’ pass-heavy approach has significantly increased Smith-Njigba’s production, as his value could skyrocket further over the final stretch of the season.
Using the fantasycalc trade database, Smith-Njigba’s value is fairly high right now. Recent notable trades include him being dealt for 2025 and 2026 first-round picks, Rashee Rice and Tank Dell, or Isiah Pacheco and a first. At this point, Smith-Njigba is between Garrett Wilson and Brian Thomas Jr in dynasty rankings as the WR12. While Smith-Njigba is proving his worth this season, his current dynasty value is definitely at a premium.
At only 22 years old, Smith-Njigba is set up to have a very successful NFL career. With Tyler Lockett past his prime and D.K Metcalf underperforming this season, Smith-Njigba has established himself as an integral part of the Seahawks’ offense. While Seattle continues to find their identity, expect Smith-Njigba to be tied down to the Seahawks for the long term. Let’s take a look at what risk-averse and risk-seeking dynasty managers should do with the second-year pro.
Risk-averse managers should look to get the most value out of Smith-Njigba this offseason. This could include selling him for a proven stud who will also hold dynasty value for the foreseeable future. Packaging Smith-Njigba with future early-round picks for someone like Amon-Ra St. Brown or Nico Collins could be a shrewd move for certain managers. Conversely, teams that are rebuilding could look to move off of aging players for someone like Smith-Njigba.
Risk-seeking managers will look to trade for Smith-Njigba wherever they can. Despite his value being at an all-time high, Smith-Njigba is still an ascending player. Many managers will hope he can continue to perform at the elite level witnessed this season. Acquiring Smith-Njigba for playable veterans like Mike Evans, Cooper Kupp, or Derrick Henry could be a great deal for both parties involved. Contending teams should look to scoop up Smith-Njigba amid his sophomore breakout, just in time for the fantasy playoffs.
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