$40.3 million per year.
That’s the number.
That’s the line in the sand.
And that’s the message Seahawks superstar Jaxon Smith-Njigba just sent to the entire NFL — especially the Los Angeles Rams.
After winning Offensive Player of the Year and leading the league with 1,793 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, JSN didn’t dodge the question when asked if he deserves to be the highest-paid wide receiver in football.
“I believe I deserve to be the highest paid in my position.”
No hesitation. No hedging. No agent-speak.
Just confidence.
And now? The receiver market might be headed for war.
Perfect Timing. Dangerous Leverage.
Smith-Njigba just finished Year 3 of his rookie deal — meaning he’s now extension-eligible.
Here’s the wild part:
He made just $1.55 million in base salary last season while dominating the league.
In 2026? He’s scheduled to make $2.72 million.
For comparison:
- Ja’Marr Chase: $40.25M per year
- Justin Jefferson: $35M per year
If JSN wants to top Chase, the floor starts at $40.3 million annually.
That’s not just a raise.
That’s a market explosion.
And it would likely require over $110 million guaranteed to truly reset the position.
Seattle technically has leverage — he’s under contract through 2026, plus a fifth-year option in 2027.
But when a 24-year-old just led the NFL in receiving and won OPOY?
Leverage becomes fragile.
Why the Rams Should Be Nervous
There’s one other name that matters here:
Puka Nacua.
The Rams star is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Unlike JSN, he doesn’t have a fifth-year option because he was a fifth-round pick.
That means Los Angeles doesn’t have the luxury of waiting.
Nacua:
- Led the NFL in receptions (129)
- Averaged 107.2 yards per game
- Averaged 104.3 catches per season over three years
He’s about to get paid.
The only question is — who moves first?
If the Rams extend Nacua and make him the highest-paid receiver in football, Smith-Njigba’s camp immediately asks for more.
If Seattle blinks first and gives JSN $40.3M+ per year?
Nacua’s number just went up.
This isn’t just negotiation.
It’s financial chicken between NFC West rivals.
The Patience Play
Here’s what makes this fascinating.
JSN doesn’t sound desperate.
“I’m really not too pressed right now to get it done… God’s timing is perfect timing.”
Translation?
He knows the market could rise.
If Nacua signs first, Smith-Njigba benefits.
If another receiver resets the market, he benefits.
Patience could mean millions more.
And Seattle knows that.
The Bigger Stakes
This isn’t just about ego or headlines.
It’s about roster construction.
A $40M+ receiver changes everything:
- Cap flexibility tightens
- Defensive depth becomes harder to maintain
- Championship windows shrink faster
The Seahawks just won a Super Bowl.
The Rams are trying to stay in contention.
One contract could reshape the NFC West power balance.
The Quiet Bombshell Quote
“I would play this game for free… but we need that check at the end of the day.”
That’s the balance.
Love for the game.
Understanding of business.
And a clear belief he’s worth more than anyone at his position.
If this extension gets done soon, Smith-Njigba’s next signing bonus could exceed his entire rookie contract.
And if it doesn’t?
The Rams better keep their calculators ready.
Because one deal is about to set off a domino effect across the NFL.
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