When the news came in about the new NFL contract, not many Philadelphia Eagles fans gave it a second thought, but maybe they should.
The Seattle Seahawks reached an agreement with star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension. His $42.15 million per year deal now makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history.
Eagles fans might still be wondering how this would affect the team's wide receivers. Well, DeVonta Smith might soon end up being the number one receiver on the team, and if he breaks out for a massive 2026 season, things could change.
New record contract might help DeVonta Smith in the future
Smith has unfortunately been overshadowed for most of his NFL career by A.J. Brown and hasn't gotten the recognition he deserves. Smith is considered the most underrated but consistent receiver in the NFL, as his career-low in yards in a season is 833 yards, but last year's 1,008 yards made him the leading receiver on the team for the first time since Brown arrived in Philly four years ago, and marked his third 1,000-yard season in his five-year career.
Going into the 2026 season, the tides are turning for Smith's career, as things could change for him. Brown is in the middle of heavy trade rumors, leaving Smith as the number one receiver if Brown gets traded.
Smith's current contract has three more years on it, running through the 2028 season. Back in 2024, he signed a three-year, $75 million contract extension to stay on the team.
For the moment, Smith-Njigba's contract extension should have zero effect on Smith and the Eagles. The problem comes if Smith ends up as the number one guy and has a career season, as many have been predicting throughout the offseason.
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Eagles general manager Howie Roseman might have to prepare for the idea that the team might have to eventually cough up a lot of money to Smith in the next year or two if he ends up being the guy fans expect him to be.