Jaxon Smith-Njigba just became the man in Seattle, thanks to a flurry of releases and trades over the past week.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Ascends to Top of Seahawks Depth Chart
The Seattle Seahawks decided to make wholesale changes in the past week. From releasing receiver Tyler Lockett to shipping D.K. Metcalf to Pittsburgh, the team continues to evolve its roster.
Additionally, Sam Darnold just signed with the franchise. With all of these substantive changes, one player will instantly benefit from the organizational shift.
Now, Smith-Njigba will become the main option in the Seattle passing game. The road to this point possessed twists and turns that needed explanation. Entering his third season, the 23-year-old former first-round will hope to live up to management’s high expectations.
Smith-Njigba’s role as the lead wideout actually began a year ago. For instance, no Seahawk received more targets than his 107. Additionally, only one Seattle wide receiver caught the ball at a better clip.
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Mike Bobo snagged 78.6% of passes headed his direction, as opposed to Smith-Njigba’s 73%. He definitely differs from Metcalf, who averaged 15 yards a catch and profiles as the more physically explosive threat.
Metcalf’s approach caused defenses to avoid press coverage and fade back into coverage., using his strength and size to harass corners with different methods.
For all of Metcalf’s measurables, he does lack route nuance. Pretty much, Seahawks quarterbacks would throw to an area, a vague spot in his vicinity. Meanwhile, Smith-Njigba traces pristine routes. Moreover, instead of blinding speed, he gains separation with precision, featuring no wasted motion or false steps.
Equally important, Smith-Njigba’s hands calmly pluck the ball from the air at all angles. Listed at 6’0″ and 197 pounds, the wideout possesses enough core strength and physicality to enjoy a measure of success in contested catch.
Smith-Njigba thrived in the slot, with a full route tree that made him a prime target and option. Now, will Seattle shift him to an outside spot? On balance, that does not feel like the smartest course of action since why break something that’s permanently fixed? With this in mind, what type of wideouts will they surround Darnold and Smith-Njigba with?
What helps that new duo would be a game-breaking wideout with a knack for the big play. Meanwhile, bookend the new wideout with a receiver that doesn’t have the same explosion but will thrive at the second level and could pull away from corners. Most importantly, the connection between Darnold and Smith-Njigba will dictate the future of the team.
Kole Musgrove of Seahawks Wire chimed in.
“Last season for the Vikings, Darnold had a career-salvaging year,” Musgrove said. “The former first round pick set career-bests with 4,319 passing yards, and 36 touchdowns. Darnold also started in all possible 18 games (regular season and Wild Card) for Minnesota as well.
“Seattle is banking on him being able to recapture some of the magic he had in 2024 for the 2025 campaign.”
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Smith-Njigba, in less than two weeks, became an indispensable member of the Seahawks. Ironically, his ascension and skill set line up with another Seattle great. For eight years, Doug Baldwin mastered the slot, made two Pro Bowls, and won a Super Bowl, piling up 49 touchdowns. A point often looked at was how effectively Baldwin performed from the slot.
A decade ago, Pete Carroll used a straightforward system around Baldwin to move the ball, bolstered by a stout running game. Smith-Njigba will slide into a similar role to get the offense moving, even if the moves feel rather quick.
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