Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the Seattle Seahawks' WR1 entering 2025, likely well beyond. The players closest to JSN in the wide receiver rotation are older than 30 years old. Who Smith-Njigba's long-term partner is has likely yet to be drafted.
What makes Seattle's top receiver so successful is his ability to beat defenders with quickness and precise route running. He doesn't get past cornerbacks and safeties with brute strength. He isn't weak, but he isn't DK Metcalf either. He doesn't need to be.
The part of JSN's game that works well at the NFL level would also, coincidentally enough, work well in flag football. There is no tackling in that kind of football, of course, so a quick player is a bear to deal with. This is important because there is a chance Smith-Njigba could be involved in the 2028 Olympics.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be the Seahawks representative in the 2028 Olympics
How? Because that sport will officially be part of the Olympics in that year, there is a chance that NFL players might be involved. Next week, a proposal will be put forth to allow it. Per the proposal, only one player per team can be involved in the Games, which somewhat limits the depth of the player pool.
In 2028, Smith-Njigba will still be only 26 years old and in the prime of his career. With his skill set, he should be a prime candidate to make the Summer Olympics team, as long as the Games do not interfere with the Seahawks' preseason activities.
That also assumes JSN will be part of Seattle in 2028. He should be. He was drafted in 2023 and is signed through 2026, but the team has a fifth-year option for 2027. Most likely, because of Smith-Njigba's ascension, the Seahawks will sign him to an extension and keep him in Seattle for many years.
Is it worth the risk of playing in the Olympics, though? Maybe there is no tackling, but many major injuries come from quick turns and movements. Smith-Njigba could tear an ACL making a cut. Sure, he would be representing his country, but it could also affect his future financially.
Maybe he gets passed over or doesn't want to play, but he would be amazing in flag football because of his quickness and ability to catch. He would help the United States win games, but is that more important than doing the same thing for the Seahawks?