English
Español
The Seattle Seahawks have not one, but two outstanding first-round picks from their 2023 draft class with looming contract extension talks coming. Devon Witherspoon has been a dynamite cornerback in both Pete Carroll and Mike Macdonald’s defenses, while wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has consecutive 100-catch seasons to his name, along with an Offensive Player of the Year award.
This upcoming season will mark the end of the respective rookie deals for JSN and Witherspoon, unless Seattle exercises those fifth-year options exclusive to first-rounders. The NFL announced the values of those fifth-year options on Friday.
How much are JSN and Witherspoon’s fifth-year options?
Smith-Njigba’s fifth-year option is valued at $23,852,000, while Witherspoon’s is $21,161,000. Witherspoon is at the highest possible tier as someone who’s made at least two Pro Bowls in his first three seasons. Technically, JSN is a two-time Pro Bowl player, but his 2024 selection was as an alternate, which does not count and thus he’s only directly made one Pro Bowl. That’s the difference between JSN’s fifth-year option being the current value versus $27,298,000.
What happens if either of JSN or Witherspoon plays on their fifth-year option?
Fifth-year option salaries are fully guaranteed, so they can be off the books via trade without any dead money taken on. New York Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is a notable player who’s on his fifth-year option without an extension.
In a hypothetical world where JSN and ‘Spoon are somehow on their options in 2027, then that’s over $45 million in salary cap money tied to two players without contract extensions.
When is the fifth-year option deadline?
Teams have until May 1 to either exercise or decline fifth-year options. The Seahawks utilized Charles Cross’ option last year and got a deal done with their left tackle in ample time.