Smith-Njigba is coming off an All-Pro year, and now all eyes are on him to see if he can back it up.
The 2025 season for the Seattle Seahawks will be remembered for many things, most notably the Super Bowl win, but it was also the year Jaxon Smith-Njigba arrived in the NFL.
An All-Pro season that culminated with an Offensive Player of the Year award, JSN was borderline unstoppable in Klint Kubiak's offense.
In total, 1,739 yards and 10 TDs from 119 receptions, easily the best return of his young career, Smith-Njigba became one of the best receivers in football.
Now, this is the first time he's had a year like this, and as we know, consistency is the name of the game here, as all the best weapons in football do it year after year, so that is what Jaxon has to do as well.
Entering the 2026 season as one of the elite players at his position, Smith-Njigba will be the first name defenses try to shut down because they know how devastating he can be when left unchecked.
We know JSN isn't at the level of a Justin Jefferson or Ja'Marr Chase, but based on his 2025 season, you'd be a fool to think he couldn't be one day.
And for one AFC executive, in ESPN's top 10 receivers list, of which JSN ranks third, thinks that one day, he could hold the top spot.
"Smith-Njigba is super talented, but this is the first year he really played outside," an AFC exec said. "If he does it again and plays well, he can jump to the top."
Smith-Njigba the best receiver in football? It does have a nice ring to it, but he isn't there yet.
Yes, last season was elite by every metric you want to use, but now comes the hard part...doing it again.
Entering Year 4, JSN has surpassed 1,000 yards twice in his three seasons, and now he will be the first name defenses try to stop. Welcome to cloud coverages and double teams, Jaxon.
What sets Jefferson and Chase apart is that it doesn't matter what coverage the defense shows; they still get their catches and yards. Smith-Njigba has to develop into the same receiver.
So, it will be on new coordinator Brian Fleury to find new ways to get his star weapon the ball, and if he can produce a season similar to last, then he might just top the best receiver in football list this time next year.
It's a lofty goal, but one that is reachable for No. 11.
