Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seattle Seahawks’ promising wide receiver, is making a strong case for his status as one of the top receivers in the NFL. If he’s proven himself over the first half of the season, it’s that he possesses the skill to execute. He broke 90 receiving yards in five games and cleared 79 receiving yards in every game. His tremendous performance proved to be an exhibition of his otherworldly talents. It further cements his place as the Seahawks’ most important player.
In that same scintillating overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Smith-Njigba continued to make his mark, recording 132 yards receiving. He did score a touchdown, tying his season high. This impressive showing came on the heels of his standout performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he caught eight passes for 162 yards and another touchdown, contributing significantly to the Seahawks’ 20-12 victory. In such games, Smith-Njigba showed that he’s not just a one-dimensional threat. Apart from his playmaking ability notable at every level, he’s remarkably competitive.
Beyond adding yardage to his stat line, Smith-Njigba has proven his ability to play in the moment. He notched his third touchdown catch of the season on Sunday with an electrifying 61-yard post route. This thrilling play was in the 2nd quarter against Tampa. What made this play particularly notable was the execution. It put his deep-threat capabilities on display, a skill set he’s been focused on enhancing through intensive work this offseason.
Six weeks into the season, Smith-Njigba is leading the NFL in receiving yards. He has 42 catches, which ties him with Ja’Marr Chase for fourth most in the league. His breakout season comes on the heels of an impressive rookie campaign where he recorded 628 yards and four touchdowns. Over the past four years he’s been on the field, he’s averaged 1,130 receiving yards a season, good for 10th in the NFL among all receivers.
Smith-Njigba primarily operated in the slot his first two years. This year Hodges has really filled that role and taken an aggressive approach to being Stoughton’s primary deep threat. If it’s any consolation, he’s been working diligently on improving this facet of his game throughout OTAs and training camp. It’s clear that his work has really paid off and he’s shown that these last couple of games on those go routes, those deep posts.
Smith-Njigba’s teammate Coby Bryant praised him, stating, “He does it every week. He doesn’t say too much. He goes out, [he’s] consistent in who he is. He’s definitely the best, in my opinion.” Such high regard from fellow players underscores Smith-Njigba’s impact not only on the field but within the team dynamic.
Cooper Kupp
weighed in on Smith-Njigba’s performance, noting the challenge he faces as defenses focus on him: “It’s not an easy thing to do what he’s been doing knowing that we come into games with opportunities for him to get the ball at all three levels, and defenses know that he’s going to be a target.” Kupp emphasized Smith-Njigba’s ability to consistently perform despite this pressure: “To consistently win over and over again when a defense is planning on trying to take him out of a game speaks volumes.”As Smith-Njigba continues to evolve and expand his role within the Seahawks’ offense, his performance may reshape expectations for young receivers in the league. The huge work ethic and developing skill set he has makes him an interesting and formidable player going forward.
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