Seahawks Lock In Two Star Playmakers With Fifth Year Options: Here's Why This Matters
The Seahawks just made a statement. On the heels of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, GM John Schneider exercised the fifth year options on two of the franchise's biggest playmakers: cornerback Devon Witherspoon and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Both were first round picks back in 2023, and now they're locked in for the long haul. This is the kind of move a world champion team makes when it believes in its core.
Why These Two Matter Right Now
Look, you watched the Super Bowl run. You saw what Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon brought to this team. These aren't just role players. They're foundational pieces that Mike Macdonald's defensive and offensive schemes are built around. By exercising these fifth year options, the Seahawks are saying loud and clear: we're not tearing this down, we're doubling down.
Smith-Njigba has been a weapon in Brian Fleury's offense alongside Cooper Kupp and the rest of the receiving corps. Witherspoon anchors the secondary on a defense that just dominated on the biggest stage. When you win it all like the Seahawks just did, you protect the guys who got you there.
The Long Game In The Emerald City
These moves signal confidence that this Super Bowl run isn't a one hit wonder. Sure, plenty of teams win once and then scatter to the winds. But the Seahawks are building something sustainable. Keeping Witherspoon and Smith-Njigba under contract through at least 2027 gives Seattle continuity on both sides of the ball, which is exactly what contending rosters need.
The 12s are already buzzing about what comes next. Will the Seahawks be able to run it back? Can Sam Darnold and this defense stay elite? Those are the conversations that matter now, and moves like this one give you real hope that management believes they can keep the window open.
Looking Ahead
With Witherspoon and Smith-Njigba locked in for the foreseeable future, the focus now shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. The team still has work to do to keep this championship window open. But at least you know two of your best players will be part of whatever comes next.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.