Field Gulls
Will JSN be able to maintain the same level with a new QB and after the departures of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett?
In his second season in the NFL, Jaxon Smith-Njigba made an impressive leap, establishing himself as the Seattle Seahawks’ top target, especially in the slot. This was not only because of his numbers, but mainly because of the refined quality of his route running — one of the main weapons that sets him apart on the field. JSN made a technical and tactical leap that solidified his role in Seattle’s offense — although full stardom is still a work in progress.
In the Seahawks’ offensive scheme, Smith-Njigba established himself as the “engine” of the intermediate passing game. Playing mostly in the slot, but also lining up in stack and bunch formations, he increased the versatility of the system, opening up space for DK Metcalf on vertical routes and helping to relieve the ground game by keeping defenses honest in coverage with screens.
More than numbers, his impact lies in the functionality he brought to the offense. He has become a key player in 11-personnel formations, essential for play-action and quick progressions — especially on third-and-short moments or fast-paced drives.
What will we see from him in 2025?
Overall numbers and 2024 ranking:
Receptions: 100 (7th among WRs);
Receiving Yards: 1,130 (10th among WRs);
Touchdowns: 6 (tied for 28th);
Reception average: 11.3 yards (72nd);
Routes run: 617 routes (36.3/game) — 95.4% of snaps;
Slot Usage: 74.3% of routes in the slot — the highest in the NFL;
Drops in 2024: 2 in 137 targets → 1.5% drop rate, 55th in the NFL (Note: 8 drops and 11.3% drop rate in 2023);
Week 9 vs. Los Angeles Rams: 7 receptions for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns, his first career multi-TD game and the game with the most receiving yards (these numbers could have been better if not for OL penalties).
Historic streak: Five straight games with at least 70 receiving yards, tying Metcalf and Steve Largent ; in this stretch, he maintained consistent averages above 70 yards per game .
Played in 17 games, with 16 starts, and recorded 100 receptions, 1,130 yards (11.3 per reception average) and 6 touchdowns. He broke the franchise record of 100 receptions in a season, tying Tyler Lockett (2020).
He led the NFL in receptions (83), yards (993) and targets (64) coming from the slot. He was decisive with windows in zone coverage, finding his spaces intelligently.
In addition to his technique, Jaxon demonstrates a sharp tactical sense to find and exploit spaces in the opposing defense. Whether adjusting routes after the snap or detecting the movement of the secondary, his quick read allows him to reposition himself and create spaces, increasing his chances of reception and gaining yards after contact.
Being in the slot allows him to line up against LB on some plays. In this play, his matchup is against Jamie Sherwood,...
