Seahawks pick up fifth-year options on Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon

The Seattle Seahawks have exercised the fifth-year contract options for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon, the team confirmed Friday. The moves secure both former first-round draft picks under team control through the 2027 NFL season, extending their rookie deals by one year beyond the standard four-season term. Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon were key members of the same draft class and have been central to Seattle’s plans on offense and defense, respectively. By picking up the options, the Seahawks signal their long-term commitment to two young players they view as foundational pieces of the roster. Fifth-year options apply to first-round selections on standard rookie contracts and must be exercised by teams ahead of the player’s fourth season. Doing so prevents those players from entering unrestricted free agency after Year 4 and locks in the fifth year at a salary determined by draft position and performance criteria under the league’s collective bargaining agreement. Smith-Njigba, drafted as a wide receiver, was brought in to strengthen Seattle’s passing attack with his route-running, hands, and ability to work from the slot or outside. Since arriving in Seattle, he has been part of a receiving group tasked with giving the Seahawks consistent production in the passing game and creating reliable targets at multiple levels of the field. Witherspoon, selected as a cornerback in the same first round, has been a central figure in the Seahawks’ secondary. Known for his competitiveness and aggressive coverage style, he has been used in multiple roles in the defensive backfield, including work on the outside and near the line of scrimmage. The decision to exercise both options reflects Seattle’s desire to maintain continuity on both sides of the ball as the organization shapes its roster for the coming seasons. While specific financial terms of the fifth-year options were not disclosed in the team’s announcement, the moves ensure that Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon will remain under contract with the Seahawks through at least the 2027 campaign, barring any future extensions or roster changes. With the options picked up, Seattle can now plan around two young starters who were drafted to be long-term contributors and who remain central to the team’s evolving core.