The Seattle Seahawks have taken a major step toward keeping their young stars by exercising the fifth-year options on wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. The move ensures both first-round picks from the 2023 NFL Draft remain under contract with Seattle for at least the next two seasons. Smith-Njigba’s fully guaranteed option is projected at $23.852 million, while Witherspoon’s stands at $21.161 million, according to Over The Cap. Teams had until May 1 to decide on fifth-year options, and the Seahawks are the first to act this offseason.
Smith-Njigba, 24, played a pivotal role in Seattle’s Super Bowl LX run. The 20th overall pick of 2023 emerged as one of the league’s elite receivers, posting 1,793 receiving yards, 119 catches, and 10 touchdowns over 17 games. His performance earned him two Pro Bowl selections, a unanimous All-Pro nod, and Offensive Player of the Year honors. Following the championship, he indicated he is not rushing into a contract extension but expects to be among the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL.
Seahawks Secure Future by Exercising Fifth-Year Options on Star DuoSeahawks Commit to Retaining Young Stars Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon for Stability
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon, the 5th overall pick in 2023, has been a defensive cornerstone. The 25-year-old has excelled in blitzing and disrupting opposing offenses under coordinator Mike Macdonald, earning three consecutive Pro Bowl selections.
With other key players departing in free agency, Seattle’s decision to retain both Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon signals a commitment to building around their homegrown talent. By locking in these foundational pieces, the Seahawks aim to maintain continuity and competitiveness, ensuring their young core remains a central part of the team’s championship aspirations for the coming seasons.
This move underscores Seattle’s strategy of blending star power with careful roster management to protect their future while remaining competitive in the NFC.
