Seattle Seahawks fans have plenty to be excited about as we look ahead to the 2026 NFL season, especially when it comes to star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. After a breakout 2025 campaign that earned him the AP Offensive Player of the Year award, the question on everyone's mind is: can he do it again?
The answer, based on the current state of the Seahawks' roster, is a resounding yes. With Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III departing in free agency and Zach Charbonnet sidelined with a torn ACL, Seattle's backfield is in transition. Rookie Jadarian Price, the No. 32 overall pick in the 2026 draft, will step in as the starter, but it's clear the offense may lean even more heavily on the passing game early on.
Smith-Njigba's role as the focal point of the passing attack is secure. He was targeted a staggering 163 times last season—more than double the next closest receiver on the team, Cooper Kupp, who had 70. That kind of target share is rare and speaks volumes about his quarterback's trust and his own consistency.
What truly sets JSN apart, though, is his ability to stretch the field. Only the Rams' Puka Nacua rivaled him as a downfield threat in 2025. Smith-Njigba averaged an impressive 15.1 yards per reception, and there's little reason to expect that number to dip in 2026. His combination of route-running precision and explosive speed makes him a nightmare for opposing secondaries.
The only potential threat to his target share is the expanded role of Rashid Shaheed, who could see more looks in Seattle's offense. But even with that adjustment, it's hard to imagine a significant drop-off in production for Smith-Njigba. He's the engine that drives this offense.
Of course, the competition for Offensive Player of the Year will be fierce. Names like Saquon Barkley of the Eagles, Dak Prescott of the Cowboys, and Christian McCaffrey of the 49ers are all strong contenders. Barkley's case could become even stronger if the Eagles trade A.J. Brown, leaving him as the undisputed star in Philadelphia. Still, Smith-Njigba has as good a shot as anyone to repeat—and for Seahawks fans, that's a thrilling prospect.