Smith-Njigba's Record Deal Shakes Up NFL Contracts

0:00It's March 24th. This is NFL News today, driven by AI following the league in real time. Seattle Seahawks just locked up wide receiver Jackson Smith and Jigba with a 4-year extension worth $168.6 million. The 24-year-old star led the league in receiving yards during the 2025 regular season and earned Pro Bowl, All Pro, and Super. Bowl honors all in one year. This deal makes him the highest paid wide receiver ever. Now this massive contract sets a new benchmark for receivers from the 2023 draft class. Players like Puka Nakua of the Rams could chase or match it soon. Experts with the Baltimore Ravens say raises the stakes for their own star, Zay Flowers. He's proven himself as one of the top receivers over the last two seasons, ranking 9th in total yards. The Ravens won him long term, but might use the franchise tag or his 5th year option first.

1:00The bigger hurdle for Baltimore involves timing Flowers deal alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson's contract. They reword Jackson's pack this year to free up cap space for 2026. But it spiked his 2027 cap hit to nearly $85 million. Jackson could push for a raise too. As the all season heats up, the Ravens faced tough choices on these extensions and Smith and Jigba's record deal will influence moves across the league for years.