Two of the Most Impressive Seahawks Players Demand Pay Raises, But Their Futures Take Two Different Turns with Two Contrasting Outcomes

This offseason, Kenneth Walker III and Jaxon Smith-Njigba—two of the standout stars of the Seattle Seahawks—are facing major contract decisions. While Walker is preparing to hit the free-agent market and face an uncertain future, Smith-Njigba is on track to be retained as a cornerstone for the team’s future.

Walker, who just claimed Super Bowl MVP, has finished his four-year rookie contract and was not tagged with a franchise tag by the Seahawks, meaning he will become an unrestricted free agent this year. This decision has made everything uncertain for the dynamic running back, despite his impressive postseason performance that helped Seattle claim the championship.

On the other hand, Smith-Njigba—who set a Seahawks single-season receiving record this past season—has proven to be one of the team’s top targets. With over 1,300 receiving yards and a Pro Bowl selection, Smith-Njigba has not only become a key piece in Seattle’s offense but is expected to receive a long-term contract to keep him in the city for years to come.

Walker’s season with Seattle has been nothing short of spectacular: surpassing 1,000 rushing yards, scoring 5 touchdowns, and leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory. This performance has made him one of the top running back free agents in the league, with predictions suggesting he could demand “top 5 money” in this free-agent market.

However, the Seahawks, with salary cap limitations and ambitions to build a more balanced roster, are not prepared to franchise tag Walker—making it a pivotal decision for the future of their offensive game plan. This could be the most significant shift in their offensive strategy since last season.

Meanwhile, Smith-Njigba became the focal point of the Seahawks’ offense in the 2025 season. Not only did he set team records, but he also played a critical role in connecting the passing and ground game. This has given Seattle’s front office the strong motivation to offer him a hefty contract and keep him at the center of their offense long term.

The interesting thing is that both players have demanded/pay raises, but their outcomes have diverged drastically. Walker is facing the possibility of testing the free-agent market and might sign elsewhere, while Smith-Njigba is in a position to sign a long-term deal and continue as the cornerstone of the Seahawks' offense.

For the Seahawks, the decision on Walker is a strategic risk: either pay him more to retain him or risk losing a key offensive weapon. On the other hand, investing in Smith-Njigba shows a clear path forward for building the team—keeping proven players and positioning them at the heart of the team’s future.

In summary, both of these young stars are at the peak of their careers and want to be paid what they’re worth—but one could leave while the other is poised to become a long-term Seahawk. Their futures in Seattle promise to be filled with fascinating moves during this upcoming free-agency period.