The Seattle Seahawks have officially signaled their long-term commitment to the foundation of their roster. On Friday, the organization announced that they have made the move to ensure their top two selections from the 2023 NFL Draft remain in the Pacific Northwest for the foreseeable future. The Seahawks exercise 5th-year options for wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon, locking both players in through the 2027 season.
This decision comes as little surprise to those following the trajectory of the franchise. Under the current NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams have a window to exercise a fifth-year option on first-round picks entering their fourth season. By making this move now, Seattle secures two of the most impactful young players at their respective positions, providing stability for both the offense and the defense as the team continues its evolution.
Seahawks Exercise 5th-Year Options to Secure Core Stars
The 2023 NFL Draft is widely regarded as a turning point for the Seahawks' scouting department. With two picks in the top 20, Seattle targeted high-ceiling talent at premium positions. Devon Witherspoon was selected 5th overall out of Illinois, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba was taken 20th overall out of Ohio State. Both players have lived up to their draft billing, becoming immediate contributors and eventually focal points of the roster.
By exercising these options, the Seahawks have guaranteed the 2027 salaries for both athletes. These options are now fully guaranteed upon being exercised, reflecting the team's confidence in the health and performance levels of both Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon. This move allows General Manager John Schneider and the front office to plan their future salary cap allocations with greater clarity, knowing their primary playmaker on the outside and their lockdown corner are under contract.
Devon Witherspoon: The Defensive Cornerstone
Since arriving in Seattle, Devon Witherspoon has transformed the identity of the Seahawks' secondary. Known for his aggressive playstyle, elite closing speed, and physical tackling, Witherspoon earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie and has continued to shadow the league's top wide receivers. His ability to play both on the boundary and in the slot has given the Seahawks' coaching staff immense schematic flexibility.
Witherspoon’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He has become a leader on the field, often tasked with neutralizing the opponent's primary deep threat. In a division that features high-powered offenses like the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, having a cornerback of Witherspoon’s caliber is a necessity. Securing him through 2027 ensures that the "Legion of Boom" successor era has its definitive anchor.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The Future of the Seattle Passing Game
On the other side of the ball, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has steadily climbed the depth chart to become a vital component of the Seahawks' aerial attack. Initially joining a wide receiver room headlined by veterans DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, Smith-Njigba has carved out a massive role for himself. His elite route running and reliable hands have made him a favorite target for quarterback Geno Smith, particularly on crucial third-down conversions.
As Tyler Lockett enters the later stages of his career, Smith-Njigba’s emergence as a consistent 1,000-yard threat is vital for the team’s offensive continuity. His ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and create separation in man-to-man situations makes him one of the most difficult covers in the NFC West. With the Seahawks exercise 5th-year options process complete for JSN, the team can focus on building the offense around his unique skill set for years to come.
Roster Implications and the Road Ahead
The decision to exercise these options is a testament to the success of the 2023 draft class. It is rare for a team to hit so decisively on two first-round picks in the same year, and Seattle is now reaping the rewards of those selections. The financial commitment involved in fifth-year options is tied to performance tiers, including Pro Bowl selections and playing time, meaning both players have earned their projected raises through their on-field production.
Looking forward, the Seahawks now have a clear window of contention with their young core under team control. While long-term contract extensions will eventually be the topic of conversation, this move buys the front office time and ensures that two of the most popular players in the locker room remain in Seattle jerseys. Fans can expect both Witherspoon and Smith-Njigba to be central figures in the Seahawks' pursuit of another Super Bowl title as they enter the prime of their careers.
Sources & Original Reporting