Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba Wins 2025 AP NFL Offensive Player Award

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a standout receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, has been named the 2025 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year. This recognition follows an extraordinary season, during which he led the NFL in receiving yards.

Record-Setting Performance

In 2025, Smith-Njigba accumulated a total of 1,793 receiving yards. This figure surpassed his combined total from the first two seasons of his career. He achieved this impressive number on 119 receptions, scoring 10 touchdowns throughout the year.

Consistency was a hallmark of Smith-Njigba’s season. He recorded 72 or more receiving yards in 15 of the 17 games he played. His performance helped the Seahawks achieve a franchise-best record of 14-3, leading them to their fourth Super Bowl appearance.

Formation of a Strong Partnership

The Seahawks underwent a significant roster change prior to the season. After trading DK Metcalf and acquiring Cooper Kupp, concerns arose regarding Smith-Njigba’s readiness as the team’s No. 1 receiver, especially with Sam Darnold as the new quarterback. However, they quickly established a potent passing combination.

Noteworthy Achievements

• Week 1 Performance: Smith-Njigba caught nine passes for 124 yards.
• Averaging Yards: He averaged 119.4 receiving yards over his first 11 games.
• Historical Context: He became the first player to lead the NFL in receiving yards for a No. 1 seed since Jerry Rice in 1994.

Deep Receiving Mastery

One of the standout aspects of Smith-Njigba’s game was his ability to excel in deep receptions. He led the NFL with 542 deep receiving yards, significantly outpacing CeeDee Lamb, who had 454 yards. Smith-Njigba also recorded 13 deep receptions, marking a dramatic improvement compared to his prior seasons.

Shift in Production

• In 2023 and 2024, he had 11 deep receptions totaling 325 yards.
• In 2025, his deep game became a crucial element of Seattle’s offensive strategy.

Award Recognition and Trends

Smith-Njigba’s Offensive Player of the Year award marks a significant trend in the NFL. This is the seventh consecutive season the award has gone to a non-quarterback, following two years dominated by running backs. Past winners include Saquon Barkley in 2024 and Christian McCaffrey in 2023.

In conclusion, Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s outstanding 2025 season solidified his status as a premier receiver in the NFL, showcasing not just individual talent but a significant contribution to the Seattle Seahawks’ success.