It’d be easy to argue the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks were disrespected on the NFL’s hottest offseason ranking, but their superstar wideout certainly wasn’t.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba was ranked 5th on the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2026 list, marking his first career appearance and the highest of any wide receiver this year. He also joined Russell Wilson (No. 2, 2020) Richard Sherman (No. 7, 2014) and Marshawn Lynch (No. 9, 2015) as the only Seahawks to ever be placed in the Top 10.
In regards to this season, linebacker LB Ernest Jones IV (No. 97) and quarterback Sam Darnold (No. 21) were previously the only two players from Seattle’s roster to be featured. The four players ranked above JSN (in a TBA order) are Bijan Robinson, Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford, and Myles Garrett.
Although Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (No. 7) was also included in the Top 10 when the list’s final players were released on August 21, there was little doubt Smith-Njigba would earn the edge on the ranking and be the top-ranked receiver on this list.
Following an offseason where the Seahawks moved on from longtime receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, Smith-Njigba was given the lead duties and took advantage of them, accumulating 119 receptions for a league-leading 1,793 receiving yards en route to winning the Offensive Player of the Year award. His historic season landed him a much deserved four-year, $168.6 million extension, making him the highest paid wide receiver in league history — and perhaps slightly less notably, earning himself a spot in the NFL Top 100.
So, while several Seahawks such as defensive tackle Leonard Williams, cornerback Devon Witherspoon and safety Nick Emmanwori may have missed the cut and the respect they deserved, it’s good to know Smith-Njigba didn’t.
