Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s New Seahawks Salary Will Take Big Hit Starting in 2028

The Seattle superstar got paid, but he will see even less money in a couple of years due to a new Washington state law.

Feb 5, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) talks to media members at the San Jose Marriott. | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Jaxon Smith-Njigba just won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks and then got paid with the most lucrative contract by a receiver in NFL history. His annual salary, however, is hit hard by taxes and will be even worse come 2028 in the state of Washington.

The 24-year-old Smith-Njigba went crazy in his third NFL season out of Ohio State, catching 119 passes for an NFL-high 1,793 yards to go with 10 touchdowns receiving.

Feb 11, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) reacts during the Super Bowl LX parade. | Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Now, he signed a four-year contract worth $168.6 million. The contract includes $120M in guaranteed money and an a $42.15 annual salary that keeps him a Seahawks player through the 2031 season.

JSN has officially pushed WR contracts to a new level 🤑 pic.twitter.com/ptK2EbJ5iC

— FanDuel (@FanDuel) March 24, 2026

JSN hit hard by taxes

What’s crazy, though, is how much is taken out in taxes from that $42.15M.:

Federal: $15,589,250M; FICA: $1,001,443; Agent fee: $1,264,500, leaving him with $24,294,807. Washington does not have a state income tax — for now.

Washington’s “Millionaire’s Tax” takes effect in 2028

Starting in 2028 the state will have a millionaire’s tax, which will affect all Seahawks players, of 9.9 percent which will deduct another $4,172,850 off the top of that figure, for a grand total of $20,121,957. It’s designed to tax anyone making an annual salary over $1M including individuals, couples, and domestic partners, acting as a new state income tax intended to raise funds for education, child care, and social services.

🚨HEARTBREAKING🚨#SEAHAWKS WR JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA ONLY MAKES 24 MILLION DOLLARS AFTER TAXES, DESPITE SIGNING A $42.15 MILLION DEAL.

Federal: $15,589,250
FICA: $1,001,443
Agent fee: $1,264,500
Tax: $17,955,193

Net Income: $24,194,807

This is before the Seattle millionaire tax. pic.twitter.com/8feB0AkA4h

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) March 23, 2026

He’s still doing alright at 24 with just over $20M a year — and not including any endorsement deals — so don’t feel too sorry for him.

He’s also one of the most exciting players in the NFL and will no doubt earn way more money should he stay healthy.

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images