Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba Claims 2026 NFL Offensive Player of the Year

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has made history by claiming the Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY) award. This year marks only the second time in the franchise’s history that a Seahawk has received this prestigious accolade.

Outstanding Performance by Jaxon Smith-Njigba

During the 2026 NFL season, Smith-Njigba led the league in receiving yards with an impressive total of 1,793. His remarkable performance put him ahead of notable competitors such as Christian McCaffrey, Puka Nacua, and Drake Maye.

A Notable Voting Process

The voting process for the award revealed a competitive landscape. It wasn’t just a showdown between Smith-Njigba and Nacua. Instead, he was up against McCaffrey, who also earned the Comeback Player of the Year honor. McCaffrey showcased his resilience as a key player for the San Francisco 49ers, securing the runner-up position for OPOY. Nacua, who came in third, was followed by Bijan Robinson in fourth and Maye in fifth.

Seahawks’ Exclusive Company

With this achievement, Jaxon Smith-Njigba joins the ranks of Shaun Alexander, who is the only other Seahawk to have won the Offensive Player of the Year award. Alexander achieved this honor during his record-setting season in 2005, where he also earned the MVP title, though that season ended with a Super Bowl loss.

Looking Ahead

Smith-Njigba’s sights are now set on a larger prize. As the Seahawks aim to capture their first Lombardi Trophy since 2013, his contributions this season could prove crucial in that quest.

A Brief Overview of OPOY Voting

As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for the upcoming postseason, Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s stellar performance this season provides a strong foundation for their ambitions in the NFL.