Seahawks Exercise Fifth-Year Options for Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle secured Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba through 2027 after the duo combined for two All-Pro selections and a Super Bowl title.

The Seattle Seahawks officially exercised the Seahawks fifth-year options for cornerback Devon Witherspoon and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on Friday. This transaction secures both athletes through the 2027 season with fully guaranteed salaries. Witherspoon, the fifth overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, is slated to earn approximately $21.2 million under the option according to OverTheCap.com. Smith-Njigba, who was taken 20th overall in the same draft class, carries an option value estimated at $23.9 million. These two players distinguish themselves as the first members of the 2023 first-round class to have these specific contract extensions triggered by their franchise.

Following a championship campaign where both players helped Seattle win the Super Bowl, the 24-year-old Smith-Njigba enters the offseason coming off a first-team All-Pro selection. The wideout established career highs across every major receiving category, hauling in 119 receptions for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns. His productivity remained high during the postseason run, where he recorded 17 catches for 199 yards and two scores across three playoff contests. By exercising the Seahawks fifth-year options now, the organization ensures their primary offensive weapon remains under team control while they prepare for long-term extension negotiations.

Defensive Impact and Witherspoon’s Performance

Devon Witherspoon, the 25-year-old anchor of the secondary, earned second-team All-Pro honors for his contributions last season. Operating as the team's No. 1 cornerback, he tallied 72 tackles and one interception during the regular season. His defensive presence intensified during the three-game postseason stretch, where he accounted for 17 tackles and one sack. The decision to lock in his 2027 season ahead of the May 1 deadline reflects his status as a cornerstone of the defensive unit.

With both players now having completed their third NFL seasons, they have officially become eligible for long-term contract extensions. The Seahawks are expected to initiate discussions regarding these multi-year deals to keep the young stars in Seattle beyond the current framework. The fifth-year option serves as a bridge, guaranteeing their presence on the roster for the next two seasons while providing a salary floor that is fully protected against injury or performance fluctuations.

Financial Implications of the 2023 Draft Class

The financial structure provided by OverTheCap.com highlights a significant investment in the 2023 draft class, totaling over $45 million in combined guarantees for the 2027 season alone. Because Witherspoon was a top-five pick, his valuation remains high, though Smith-Njigba’s projected $23.9 million option exceeds that of his defensive teammate. These figures are tied to the specific tiers of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement regarding play time and accolades like the All-Pro nods both players received.

By moving before the May 1 cutoff, Seattle has cleared the administrative hurdle for their top two picks from two years ago. This proactive approach allows the front office to focus on the upcoming extension talks. The team announced these moves simultaneously on Friday, signaling a unified strategy for maintaining the core of their Super Bowl-winning roster.

Postseason Production and Future Outlook

During the three-game playoff path to the title, the combined output of these two players proved critical. Smith-Njigba’s average of 11.7 yards per catch in the playoffs complemented Witherspoon’s average of 5.6 tackles per postseason game. The wide receiver's 10 regular-season touchdowns provided a scoring consistency that led to his 1,793-yard total, a mark that reset his personal record books.

As the Seahawks transition into the next phase of roster building, the guaranteed nature of these 2027 salaries provides stability for the players and the salary cap. The Seahawks fifth-year options represent the first step in a broader plan to retain the 2023 draft class long-term. With both stars entering their fourth seasons as extension-eligible veterans, the focus now shifts from the mandatory option year to the potential for permanent blockbuster contracts that could keep the All-Pro duo in Seattle for the foreseeable future.