Saturday afternoon, the team announced that it had exercised fifth-year options on cornerback Devon Witherspoon and receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba. The first round draft picks from the 2023 draft class are two of the league’s best in their respective positions. By exercising the fifth-year options, the duo is under contract through 2027. Smith-Njigba will earn a guaranteed salary of $23.852 million for the 2027 season, and Witherspoon will earn $21.161 million.
FIRST STEP
The move by General Manager John Schneider gives the Seahawks some time to hammer out a contract extensions in 2026. The duo was always part of the Seahawks ‘ long-term plans. Exercising the fifth-year options shows the Seahawks are keeping their word. Schneider was quoted at the NFL Combine saying that signing Witherspoon and Smith-Njigba is part of the Seahawks’ plan.
CONSERVATIVE SPEEDING
The Seahawks have been mild participants in the NFL free agency market. The team lost RB Ken Walker III, LB Boye Mafe, and S Coby Bryant. The team’s biggest expenditure was on the retention of WR Shahid Rasheed on a three-year $51 million contract. Other signings included Josh Jobe (3-year $24 million), LB Drake Thomas (2-year, $8 million), RB Emanuel Wilson (1-year, $2million ), CB Rodney Thomas (1-year $1.4 million ), and CB Noah Igbinoghene (1-year $1.215 million) .
The Seahawks have $38,242,694 million in cap space, which is sixth in the NFL. The offseason moves to this point suggest that the Seahawks are gearing up for contact negotiations with Smith-Njiga and Witherspoon in the near future.
BOTH PLAYERS HAVE EARNED THEIR PAYDAY
Smith-Njiba and Witherspoon have earned their paydays. Both have grown into arguably the top players in their respective positions. Witherspoon was the fifth overall pick in the 2023 draft and has earned All-Pro honors the last three years and was named one of the top 50 players in Seahawks history. Smith-Njigba led the league in receiving yards last season with 1,793 yards, earned first-team All-Pro, and was voted AP Offensive Player of the Year. The former Buckeye earned Pro Bowl honors in 2024 and 2025.
- Mariners finally show some signs of life and beat Rangers 7-3
- Sounders continue hot MLS start with decisive 4-1 win over St. Louis
- Mariners announce new event for 50 seasons celebration weekend
- Morris, DeRosario, and Masovski: Sounders’ Goal-Scoring Challenge
- Seattle Sounders’ 3-1 Victory Over Tigres: Match Highlights
Discover more from Cascadiasports.net
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
