Latest news with #JaxonSmithNjigba
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Seahawks rookie WR Tory Horton makes big play at practice
The Seattle Seahawks are searching for pass-catching depth behind starters Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. Rookie fifth-round pick Tory Horton is one of the wideouts in the mix for playing time. Horton must take advantage of his opportunities at training camp. That's precisely what Horton did during Tuesday's practice session. The former Nevada and Colorado State standout has been working with the reserve offense. During a 7-on-7 drill, Horton caught a deep ball behind cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar. Backup quarterback Drew Lock made the throw. Veteran free-agent signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling is the favorite to be WR3 behind Kupp and Smith-Njigba. Valdes-Scantling previously played for new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in New Orleans. That familiarity, plus his experience, gives him an advantage, but Horton is trying to push for reps. Horton transferred to Colorado State from Nevada ahead of the 2022 campaign and strung together two huge campaigns for the Rams. Across 2022 and 2023, Horton combined to record 167 receptions for 2,267 yards (consecutive 1,000-yard seasons) and 16 touchdowns. His 2024 season was cut short due to a season-ending knee injury. Horton may be gaining influence with the coaching staff. Maximizing his reps at training camp practice is crucial to breaking into the first-team offense. More plays like the explosive gain he created at Tuesday's session will help him earn more opportunities. This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks training camp: Rookie WR Tory Horton makes big-time play
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba embraces increased role ahead of his 3rd season
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — When the Seattle Seahawks traded two-time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers and released Tyler Lockett in March, it highlighted the franchise's confidence in wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Still, the 23-year-old Smith-Njigba couldn't hide his longing for both Metcalf and Lockett following the Seahawks' third day of training camp on Friday. 'I miss those guys,' Smith-Njigba said. 'Those are two great guys that I call friends. It sucks that they're not here with me, but I know they're going to ball out where they're at.' Smith-Njigba said he has kept in touch with both Metcalf and Lockett, who's now with the Tennessee Titans. But entering his third NFL campaign, Smith-Njigba recognizes he will take on a more prominent role after catching a career-high 100 passes for 1,130 yards last season. Two years removed from his time at Ohio State, Smith-Njigba is the Seahawks' top wideout and one of the league's more accomplished receivers. 'I'm excited about that role,' Smith-Njigba said. 'Every year that I play football, high school, college, that year three is a role I get excited for because I know the offense, I know the DNA in the building, and I can put that on the field and guys can follow it. I can be a leader by example; I love that role and I'm super excited for this year.' Smith-Njigba benefited last season from not being the sole receiver opponents had to worry about. Defenses should be on higher alert for him this year, but it's not as if he's suddenly become the elder statesman of the group. Namely, there's 32-year-old Cooper Kupp, who signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Seahawks in March after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. 'He brings a next-level mindset,' Smith-Njigba said. 'I'm super excited to be with him in that receiver room. Another stellar receiver, great receiver, and I'm just blessed to be in the room with him.' Outside of those two, there aren't many proven wideouts, or ones who are still in their primes. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, 30, appears likely to be the third option. Jake Bobo, who is known more for his blocking than receiving abilities, is entering his third season and drew praise from coach Mike Macdonald following Friday's practice. A cluster of young wideouts is in camp as well, including rookies Tory Horton and Ricky White III. Smith-Njigba sees it as his responsibility to help those players, much as Metcalf and Lockett did for him. 'Talking to those guys that came before me, taking that next step is very important,' Smith-Njigba said. 'Those guys showed me the way, so I always feel like I need to give back. I love to do that, love to be in that position. Hopefully I can take the standard and push it forward.' Smith-Njigba also hopes to keep developing his relationship with new quarterback Sam Darnold. In the early stages of camp, Smith-Njigba described that relationship as continuing to grow. It began over the offseason as the two trained together in Southern California. Smith-Njigba hopes he and Darnold can achieve all the personal and team goals he has for the 2025 season. 'Right now, I feel great in the position and role I'm in,' Smith-Njigba said. 'I know if I help my team win, if I go out there and perform at my best and help my team win, all the accolades will come. That's my mindset. Deep playoff run, go win us a ring in January and February, playing winter football, is my goal.' ___ AP NFL:
Al Arabiya
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba embraces increased role ahead of his 3rd season
When the Seattle Seahawks traded two-time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers and released Tyler Lockett in March, it highlighted the franchise's confidence in wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Still, the 23-year-old Smith-Njigba couldn't hide his longing for both Metcalf and Lockett following the Seahawks' third day of training camp on Friday. 'I miss those guys,' Smith-Njigba said. 'Those are two great guys that I call friends. It sucks that they're not here with me, but I know they're going to ball out where they're at.' Smith-Njigba said he has kept in touch with both Metcalf and Lockett, who's now with the Tennessee Titans. But entering his third NFL campaign, Smith-Njigba recognizes he will take on a more prominent role after catching a career-high 100 passes for 1,130 yards last season. Two years removed from his time at Ohio State, Smith-Njigba is the Seahawks' top wideout and one of the league's more accomplished receivers. 'I'm excited about that role,' Smith-Njigba said. 'Every year that I play football, high school, college, that year three is a role I get excited for because I know the offense, I know the DNA in the building, and I can put that on the field and guys can follow it. I can be a leader by example; I love that role, and I'm super excited for this year.' Smith-Njigba benefited last season from not being the sole receiver opponents had to worry about. Defenses should be on higher alert for him this year, but it's not as if he's suddenly become the elder statesman of the group. Namely, there's 32-year-old Cooper Kupp, who signed a three-year $45 million contract with the Seahawks in March after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. 'He brings a next-level mindset,' Smith-Njigba said. 'I'm super excited to be with him in that receiver room. Another stellar receiver, great receiver, and I'm just blessed to be in the room with him.' Outside of those two, there aren't many proven wideouts or ones who are still in their primes. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, 30, appears likely to be the third option. Jake Bobo, who is known more for his blocking than receiving abilities, is entering his third season and drew praise from coach Mike Macdonald following Friday's practice. A cluster of young wideouts is in camp as well, including rookies Tory Horton and Ricky White III. Smith-Njigba sees it as his responsibility to help those players much as Metcalf and Lockett did for him. 'Talking to those guys that came before me, taking that next step is very important,' Smith-Njigba said. 'Those guys showed me the way, so I always feel like I need to give back. I love to do that, love to be in that position. Hopefully I can take the standard and push it forward.' Smith-Njigba also hopes to keep developing his relationship with new quarterback Sam Darnold. In the early stages of camp, Smith-Njigba described that relationship as continuing to grow. It began over the offseason as the two trained together in Southern California. Smith-Njigba hopes he and Darnold can achieve all the personal and team goals he has for the 2025 season. 'Right now, I feel great in the position and role I'm in,' Smith-Njigba said. 'I know if I help my team win, if I go out there and perform at my best and help my team win, all the accolades will come. That's my mindset. Deep playoff run, go win us a ring in January and February, playing winter football is my goal.'
Associated Press
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba embraces increased role ahead of his 3rd season
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — When the Seattle Seahawks traded two-time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers and released Tyler Lockett in March, it highlighted the franchise's confidence in wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Still, the 23-year-old Smith-Njigba couldn't hide his longing for both Metcalf and Lockett following the Seahawks' third day of training camp on Friday. 'I miss those guys,' Smith-Njigba said. 'Those are two great guys that I call friends. It sucks that they're not here with me, but I know they're going to ball out where they're at.' Smith-Njigba said he has kept in touch with both Metcalf and Lockett, who's now with the Tennessee Titans. But entering his third NFL campaign, Smith-Njigba recognizes he will take on a more prominent role after catching a career-high 100 passes for 1,130 yards last season. Two years removed from his time at Ohio State, Smith-Njigba is the Seahawks' top wideout and one of the league's more accomplished receivers. 'I'm excited about that role,' Smith-Njigba said. 'Every year that I play football, high school, college, that year three is a role I get excited for because I know the offense, I know the DNA in the building, and I can put that on the field and guys can follow it. I can be a leader by example; I love that role and I'm super excited for this year.' Smith-Njigba benefited last season from not being the sole receiver opponents had to worry about. Defenses should be on higher alert for him this year, but it's not as if he's suddenly become the elder statesman of the group. Namely, there's 32-year-old Cooper Kupp, who signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Seahawks in March after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. 'He brings a next-level mindset,' Smith-Njigba said. 'I'm super excited to be with him in that receiver room. Another stellar receiver, great receiver, and I'm just blessed to be in the room with him.' Outside of those two, there aren't many proven wideouts, or ones who are still in their primes. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, 30, appears likely to be the third option. Jake Bobo, who is known more for his blocking than receiving abilities, is entering his third season and drew praise from coach Mike Macdonald following Friday's practice. A cluster of young wideouts is in camp as well, including rookies Tory Horton and Ricky White III. Smith-Njigba sees it as his responsibility to help those players, much as Metcalf and Lockett did for him. 'Talking to those guys that came before me, taking that next step is very important,' Smith-Njigba said. 'Those guys showed me the way, so I always feel like I need to give back. I love to do that, love to be in that position. Hopefully I can take the standard and push it forward.' Smith-Njigba also hopes to keep developing his relationship with new quarterback Sam Darnold. In the early stages of camp, Smith-Njigba described that relationship as continuing to grow. It began over the offseason as the two trained together in Southern California. Smith-Njigba hopes he and Darnold can achieve all the personal and team goals he has for the 2025 season. 'Right now, I feel great in the position and role I'm in,' Smith-Njigba said. 'I know if I help my team win, if I go out there and perform at my best and help my team win, all the accolades will come. That's my mindset. Deep playoff run, go win us a ring in January and February, playing winter football, is my goal.' ___ AP NFL:
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Garrett Wilson deal to impact Seahawks talks with Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba enjoyed a breakout season in 2024. Smith-Njigba led the offense in every major receiving category, posting 100 receptions for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns. After parting with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett this offseason, there's no questioning who the Seahawks' go-to receiver is for the foreseeable future. Smith-Njigba is entering his third professional season this year. General manager John Schneider will be tasked with making a decision on JSN's fifth-year option next offseason. The Seahawks will almost certainly exercise that option, keeping Smith-Njigba under contract through 2027. He'll become eligible to sign an extension next summer. Advertisement Eventual negotiations will be altered by the current happenings in the market. The New York Jets signed wide receiver Garrett Wilson to a four-year, $130 million contract extension that includes $90 million guaranteed earlier this week. At over $31 million per season, Wilson will be one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. Smith-Njigba was certainly pleased to see Wilson's extension. Smith-Njigba will aim to reach the $30 million per campaign average mark on his eventual extension as well. His 2025 form will have a massive impact on the direction of eventual negotiations. The Seahawks have JSN on a team-friendly contract through 2027, but his payday will eventually come. Advertisement This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Garrett Wilson deal to impact Seahawks talks with Jaxon Smith-Njigba
