Seahawks exercise 5th-year options for Smith-Njigba, Witherspoon

Financial projections for these extensions are substantial, reflecting the current market valuation for elite NFL players. According to data provided by Over the Cap, the fifth-year option for Jaxon Smith-Njigba is projected at $23.85 million, while Devon Witherspoon’s option is expected to reach approximately $21.1 million. Crucially, these figures are fully guaranteed upon exercise, signaling that the Seahawks organization is fully prepared to invest heavily in these players. This financial commitment underscores the front office's belief that both individuals are essential components of the team’s overarching strategy for sustained excellence in the coming years.

Beyond these immediate procedural steps, rumors suggest that Seattle is already looking toward comprehensive contract extensions for both athletes. Such negotiations would ideally secure Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon long-term, potentially bypassing the need for the fifth-year option entirely by locking them into multi-year, market-setting deals. This approach mirrors the team’s handling of 2022 first-round pick Charles Cross. The Seahawks exercised the option on his rookie contract last offseason, which successfully paved the way for a lucrative four-year, $104.4-million extension finalized this past January, ensuring the offensive line remains anchored.