Tag: Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks sign Jaxon Smith-Njigba to record extension, highest paid WR ever

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3/23/2026

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Seattle Seahawks have locked in their superstar wide receiver with a historic deal, sources told ESPN on Monday morning. (SOURCE)

According to reports, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has agreed to a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.

The deal carries an average annual value of $42.15 million and includes more than $120 million guaranteed, both setting new benchmarks at the position. Smith-Njigba is now under contract with Seattle through the 2031 season.

Resetting the wide receiver market

Smith-Njigbaā€™s extension surpasses the previous top wide receiver deal held by Ja’Marr Chase, who averages $40.25 million per year with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The new deal further elevates the wide receiver market, placing Smith-Njigba ahead of other elite pass catchers such as Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, DK Metcalf and Garrett Wilson in average annual value.

The ripple effect could extend across the league, particularly for division rivals like the Los Angeles Rams, who may soon negotiate a new deal for Puka Nacua.

Rewarding elite production

Smith-Njigba, 24, is coming off a dominant 2025 season in which he posted career highs across the board.

He recorded 119 receptions for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro honors and the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.

His impact extended into the postseason as well, totaling 17 receptions for 199 yards and two touchdowns across three playoff games during Seattleā€™s championship run.

Rapid rise to NFL stardom

Since entering the league as the No. 20 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith-Njigba has quickly developed into one of the leagueā€™s premier receivers.

After a 628-yard rookie season, he broke out in his second year with 1,130 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection. He followed that with a league-leading performance in 2025, establishing himself as the focal point of Seattleā€™s offense.

Despite missing much of his final college season at Ohio State Buckeyes football due to injury, Smith-Njigba has not missed a game during his NFL career.

Seahawks building for the future

Seattle has made a clear commitment to its young core.

The franchise recently extended offensive tackle Charles Cross and could soon explore a new deal for cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

By securing Smith-Njigba long term, the Seahawks ensure that one of the leagueā€™s most dynamic playmakers remains at the center of their offense for years to come.

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Seahawks Agree to Terms With CB Josh Jobe Amid Title Defense Push

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3/9/2026

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The Seattle Seahawks are keeping a familiar face in their secondary. According to reports, the organization has agreed to terms with cornerback Josh Jobe, ensuring the defender remains with the team as it prepares to defend its Super Bowl title. The move reinforces stability within Seattleā€™s defensive unit following a championship season that showcased one of the leagueā€™s most effective defensive back groups.

Jobe played a depth role in Seattleā€™s defensive rotation and contributed on special teams throughout the season. The cornerback brought physical coverage skills and versatility to the Seahawksā€™ secondary, which relied heavily on its ability to limit explosive passing plays during its title run. Retaining familiar contributors has been a priority for the reigning champions as they attempt to keep their defensive identity intact heading into another competitive NFL season.

The news surfaced through NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, who reported the agreement Monday on X, formerly Twitter. Pelissero highlighted that the Seahawks opted to keep one of their own as they prepare for another championship pursuit.

ā€œThe Seahawks agreed to terms with CB Josh Jobe, per source. Hanging onto one of their own as the Super Bowl champs try to repeat.ā€

The decision reflects Seattleā€™s broader strategy of maintaining continuity following its Super Bowl victory. Championship teams often face significant roster turnover in the offseason, but retaining role players who understand the system can be critical for sustained success. Jobe already has familiarity with the defensive scheme and locker room culture, factors that can help the Seahawks maintain cohesion as they enter the upcoming campaign.

Seattle will continue evaluating its roster throughout the offseason, but keeping Jobe provides additional depth in the secondary. As the Seahawks prepare for another title defense, maintaining defensive consistency could play a major role in whether the franchise can repeat as champions.

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NFL Plans Midweek 49ers-Rams Game in Melbourne to Open 2026 Season

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2/12/26

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The 2025 NFL season has officially closed, and attention has already shifted to the shape of the 2026 opener.

According to John Ourand of Puck, the NFL is preparing to stage a Week 1 matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia ā€” and it may not land on a traditional Sunday.

Reports indicate the league is targeting either Wednesday, September 9, or Thursday, September 10 for the international showdown. That would make the contest one of the earliest regular-season kickoffs in league history and potentially the first official game of the 2026 campaign.

Midweek Spotlight for NFC West

The league is also mapping out a Week 1 home opener for the Seattle Seahawks, which could alternate between Wednesday and Thursday depending on final scheduling decisions.

NBC is expected to broadcast the Seahawksā€™ opener, while a yet-to-be-determined streaming platform would carry the 49ers-Rams matchup from Australia.

The arrangement underscores the NFLā€™s continued push into international markets while experimenting with broadcast windows beyond the traditional Sunday slate.

Travel Questions Remain

While the midweek concept adds global intrigue, it also introduces logistical challenges. Travel to Melbourne requires significant adjustment due to distance and time zone differences. A Sunday, September 6 kickoff would allow both teams additional recovery time before Week 2.

As it stands, however, league plans point toward a midweek opener ā€” a bold move that would spotlight the NFC West rivalry on a global stage.

If finalized, the 49ers-Rams matchup would mark one of the most unconventional starts to an NFL season in modern history, blending international expansion with prime-time scheduling innovation.

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Seahawks Expected to Be Put Up for Sale After Super Bowl LX

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The Seattle Seahawks are preparing to put the franchise up for sale following Super Bowl LX, a move that would finally close years of uncertainty surrounding the teamā€™s ownership future.

League and ownership sources say sale discussions have occurred at both the NFL and ownership levels over the past week. The timing matches long-standing plans to sell the team following the 2018 death of former owner Paul G. Allen.

Since Paul Allen passed away, his estate has controlled the Seahawks, with his sister Jody Allen serving as the trustā€™s executor. Allen directed the sale of both the Seahawks and the NBAā€™s Portland Trail Blazers, with the proceeds dedicated to philanthropic cause

Neither the NFL nor the Seahawks commented on the reported timeline, though the organization has consistently referenced Allenā€™s prior public statements acknowledging an eventual sale.

The franchise has now passed the point at which a sale would have required sharing a portion of the proceeds with the state of Washington. If the deal moves forward, it would represent a rare moment in league history, marking the first time in the Super Bowl era that a team appearing in the championship game goes up for sale shortly afterward.

Allen originally purchased the Seahawks from Ken Behring in the mid-1990s, a deal that prevented the franchise from relocating to Southern California. Three decades later, the organization is positioned to command a record-setting valuation. This boosted by consistent on-field success and a recent Super Bowl appearance.

Seattle has reached the playoffs seven times over the past decade and plays at Lumen Field, one of the leagueā€™s most recognized home-field environments. The stadium is also undergoing significant upgrades ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The franchiseā€™s leadership structure strengthens its appeal even further. General manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald form one of the NFLā€™s most respected front-office pairings. Since Macdonald arrived, Seattle has produced 10- and 14-win regular seasons and advanced to its fourth Super Bowl.

Sports franchise values continue to surge. Sportico recently valued the Seahawks at $6.59 billion, though league executives believe the final sale price could reach $7ā€“8 billion. For comparison, the Washington Commanders sold in 2023 for $6.05 billion to a group led by Josh Harris, while the Los Angeles Lakers reached a $10 billion valuation in a majority-stake sale last year.

The Allen estate is also moving forward with the sale of the Portland Trail Blazers, with a group led by Tom Dundon, who owns the Carolina Hurricanes, agreeing to purchase the team for more than $4 billion.

Jody Allen has largely avoided public appearances during her tenure overseeing the Seahawks, though she addressed fans following the NFC Championship Game, emphasizing pride in the organization and its supporters.

No formal announcement has surfaced yet, but all signs point toward an ownership transition that would usher in a new era for one of the NFLā€™s flagship franchises.

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Seahawks GM explains why team released Noah Fant despite productive run

Noah Fantā€™s surprising release from the Seattle Seahawks this offseason had fans and analysts questioning the teamā€™s direction. On Monday, general manager John Schneider pulled back the curtain on what drove the move ā€” and it came down to tough financial decisions.

ā€œHe works his tail off, he can run. Heā€™s a good tight end, and heā€™ll have a very nice, productive year this year,ā€ Schneider said, via The Athleticā€™s Michael-Shawn Dugar. ā€œWe just felt like… can we use that cash to help our team in a different manner?ā€

Fant, who was traded to Seattle as part of the blockbuster Russell Wilson deal in 2022, had become a reliable piece in the Seahawksā€™ offense. But with a projected salary the team felt could be better spent elsewhere, Schneider and the front office chose to let him walk. He signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals worth up to $4.25 million, according to ESPNā€™s Field Yates.

In explaining the choice, Schneider emphasized the organizationā€™s confidence in its depth at tight end following a strong offseason from the position group.

ā€œAre we OK at that position? While we never feel like weā€™re totally covered, guys did have very strong springs,ā€ he added.

The Bengals, meanwhile, wasted no time capitalizing. After re-signing veteran Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati added Fant to give quarterback Joe Burrow a reliable two-tight end setup ā€” something thatā€™s been missing during the early years of his tenure. Fant joins an offense thatā€™s aiming for greater balance and explosiveness in 2025.

The Seahawks’ decision to part ways wasnā€™t about performance ā€” it was about value and fit. And for Fant, the fresh start in Cincinnati could turn into an ideal landing spot as he looks to rebound on a prove-it deal in a Super Bowl-caliber offense.

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