Seahawks Just Locked In Their Future: Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon Get the 5-Year Deal
The Seahawks made it official on Friday, and this is huge: they exercised the fifth-year options on Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon, keeping two of the most electric young stars in the NFL locked down through 2027. This is exactly what you want to see after a Super Bowl championship run.
The Money and the Meaning
Let's talk numbers. Witherspoon, the fifth overall pick back in 2023, gets a fifth-year option worth approximately $21.2 million, fully guaranteed. Smith-Njigba, selected 20th that same draft year, lands approximately $23.9 million, also fully guaranteed. Both options cover the 2027 season.
Here's the thing: these two are now extension-eligible after their third NFL seasons, which means the Seahawks aren't done negotiating. Expect long-term extension talks to start heating up soon. The team is basically saying "we love what you've done, and we want you here long-term." That's the kind of message that matters.
Why These Two Matter So Much
Smith-Njigba, 24, was absolutely unstoppable last season. We're talking 119 receptions, 1,793 receiving yards, and 10 touchdown receptions. First-team All-Pro. Then he went out in the playoffs and hauled in 17 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns over three games. That's playoff performance when it counts.
Witherspoon, 25, is the anchor of the defense at cornerback and earned second-team All-Pro honors last season. He was a monster for the secondary when the Seahawks were making their Super Bowl push, and keeping him locked down through 2027 gives you peace of mind at a critical position.
First of the 2023 Class
Here's another detail that matters: Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon are the first players drafted in the 2023 first round to have their options exercised. The deadline for teams to exercise these options is May 1, so the Seahawks got ahead of it.
Both of these guys helped bring a championship to Seattle last season. With them locked in, the foundation is solid. Now it's about keeping the window open and bringing in the supporting cast to compete in 2026 and beyond.
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
View X conversation →🔮 Trade Seattle Sports on Kalshi
Did you know you can trade on Seattle sports outcomes on Kalshi, the only federally regulated prediction market in the US? Kalshi is available in Washington state. Bet on Seahawks games, Mariners season outcomes, Kraken playoff runs, and more. No sportsbook account needed.
💰 Limited offer: Get a FREE $10 when you sign up!
👉 Sign up at Kalshi.com and use promo code SEATTLEONTAP to claim your free $10.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.