Jaxon Smith-Njigba Net Worth

What is Jaxon Smith-Njigba net worth and salary?

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is an American professional football wide receiver who has a net worth of $4 million. His salary is $3.6 million.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba's rapid rise has reshaped expectations for modern NFL pass catchers. Known for elite route-running, body control, and an uncanny feel for space, Smith-Njigba emerged as a precision weapon capable of dominating from the slot or winning outside against top coverage. After a record-setting college career, he entered the league with immediate pressure to justify first-round status, then quickly exceeded it. His technical polish, strong hands, and football IQ translated seamlessly, allowing him to become a focal point of his team's passing attack rather than a developmental project. By his third professional season, Smith-Njigba had crossed into true star territory, pairing high-volume production with efficiency and reliability. His breakout campaign confirmed what scouts long believed: he is not simply a high-floor receiver but one with legitimate All-Pro upside. As his on-field impact has grown, so has his financial trajectory, positioning him as one of the next receivers poised to reset market expectations.

Early Life

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was born on February 14, 2002. He grew up in Texas, where football is deeply woven into local culture, and quickly stood out for his coordination and competitive edge. Unlike many receivers who rely primarily on size or speed early on, Smith-Njigba developed a reputation for nuance. He excelled at creating separation through footwork and timing, traits that would later define his game at the highest levels. His high school success made him one of the most sought-after wide receiver recruits in the country, with top college programs competing for his commitment.

College Career at Ohio State

Smith-Njigba played college football at Ohio State Buckeyes, where he joined an already loaded receiver room and still managed to stand apart. His breakout came during the 2021 season, when he posted historic numbers and set a single-season school receiving record. That year culminated in a dominant Rose Bowl performance that firmly established him as a future NFL star.

While injuries limited his on-field time the following season, his draft stock remained strong due to the clarity of his tape. Evaluators consistently praised his ability to read coverage, adjust routes on the fly, and serve as a quarterback-friendly target in high-pressure situations. By the time he declared for the draft, Smith-Njigba was widely viewed as one of the most technically advanced receivers to enter the league in years.

(Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)

NFL Career with the Seattle Seahawks

Smith-Njigba was selected 20th overall in the NFL Draft and joined the Seattle Seahawks with expectations of immediate contribution. He adapted quickly to the speed and physicality of the professional game, carving out a meaningful role early in his career.

His defining leap came during the 2025 season, when he delivered a true breakout. Smith-Njigba led the league in receiving yards, earned Pro Bowl honors, and established himself as one of the NFL's most dependable offensive weapons. His production was not built on gadget plays or schemed touches but on repeatable excellence: beating man coverage, settling into zones, and making contested catches in critical moments. That season reframed his career arc from promising young receiver to foundational offensive centerpiece.

Playing Style and Reputation

Smith-Njigba is often described as a technician. He wins with timing, leverage, and route precision rather than relying solely on raw athleticism. His hands are considered among the safest in the league, and quarterbacks consistently trust him in tight windows. Coaches value his ability to line up across formations, while defensive coordinators must account for his knack for exploiting mismatches underneath and downfield. As his career has progressed, he has also earned praise for durability, preparation, and leadership traits that extend beyond the stat sheet.

Contracts, Salaries & Career Earnings

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is playing under his initial rookie contract with the Seattle Seahawks, which he signed after being selected 20th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The four-year deal is worth $14,417,307 and is fully guaranteed, including a signing bonus of $7,485,316. His average annual salary is approximately $3.6 million.

As of early 2026, Smith-Njigba's career earnings total roughly $11.7 million. That figure includes a base salary of $1.55 million during the 2025 season. For the 2026 season, he is scheduled to earn a base salary of $2,715,996, with a salary cap hit of approximately $4.59 million.

Following his league-leading 2025 campaign and Pro Bowl selection, his financial outlook has shifted dramatically. His projected fifth-year option for the 2027 season has climbed into the $24–$25 million range, a reflection of his elite performance. Now eligible for a veteran extension, analysts project that Smith-Njigba could command a deal in the neighborhood of $113 million over three years. Such a contract would place him among the NFL's highest-paid wide receivers, with an average annual value exceeding $37 million and firmly cement his status as one of the league's premier offensive stars.

Who's Richer?

Jaxon
Smith-Njigba

Compare!

Kim
Kardashian