Jaxon Smith-Njigba Wins Offensive Player Of The Year

Seattle Seahawks elite wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has won Offensive Player of the Year, after putting together what was one of the most dominant seasons by a wide receiver ever. He becomes just the second player in franchise history to win the award, joining Sean Alexander, who won it back in 2005.

After a down rookie season, Smith-Njigba has now put up over 1,000 yards in the last two seasons. When Seattle signed Sam Darnold, many were quick to question whether JSN could recreate his 2024 season, and little did they know he’d be even better. He and Sam Darnold were easily the best QB/WR in the entire NFL, and they will look to keep building their connection after winning the Super Bowl.

Smith-Njigba Wins OPOY

After an incredible season, he rightfully won Offensive Player of the Year. He had 199 receptions for an unbelievable 1,793 yards. He now holds the record for the most receiving yards in a single season in Seattle Seahawks history. Smith-Njigba broke DK Metcalf’s previous record of 1,303 yards set in 2020 in just 11 games. No one could figure out how to stop him, and Klint Kubiak unlocked his full potential.

Quite frankly, I don’t think many truly understand how dominant he was this season. He became the first player in NFL history with at least 75 receiving yards in each of his first 11 games of a season. He had nine 100+ yard games this season, with a season best of 167 yards in Week 12. He also had nine 100-yard games this season, which was the most in the NFL and the most in a single season in franchise history.

Seattle’s Incredible Season

To go alongside JSN’s incredible campaign was the Seahawks shocking season. When they signed Sam Darnold to a massive contract in free agency, there were a ton of question marks about whether or not he could recreate the season he had the year before with the Minnesota Vikings, with better offensive weapons and a better offensive line. Seattle wasn’t even projected to make the playoffs, but as we now know, they are Super Bowl Champions. 

Klint Kubiak revived Darnold’s career, and while it took a long time, all the hard work finally paid off. Mike Macdonald also became one of the youngest head coaches in NFL history to win a Super Bowl, leading one of, if not the, best defenses in the league. With a ton of cap space this offseason, Seattle will have plenty of room to work with as it tries to bring back many of their core players. The most important being Super Bowl MVP, Kenneth Walker.

JSN Will Get PAID

With an ample amount of money to spend, the Seahawks could look to get Jaxon Smith-Njigba signed to a long-term extension before his price tag gets even higher. Right now, Ja’Marr Chase is the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, having signed a four-year, $161 million extension in March. His contract has an average annual value of $40.25 million. JSN will easily break that mark.

He is two years younger than Chase and has put up better numbers, with worse quarterback play. Chase has been a part of one of the most dynamic offenses over the past four seasons, and it’s been the complete opposite for Smith-Njigba. Regardless, he’s played a pivotal role in Seattle’s offense for years, and they know they cannot afford to let him walk under any circumstances. I’d say the chances of him getting an extension this offseason are extremely high.