Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a member of the Madden 27 "99 Club" for the first time in his career. The exclusive list is reserved for players who receive a 99 overall rating, the highest rating in the game. This year, Smith-Njigba is one of six players that are a part of the club. He is also just the fourth Seahawk to earn the rating before the start of the season. Walter Jones (Madden 07), Richard Sherman (Madden 15), and Bobby Wagner (Madden 20) all have in previous years. Russell Wilson began the 2021 season with a 97 overall rating in Madden and was upgraded to a 99 a few weeks into the season.
Last season, Smith-Njigba posted the best season of his career, earning AP Offensive Player of the Year, leading the NFL with 1,793 yards receiving and helping the Seahawks to win Super Bowl LX over the New England Patriots.
While he had a one-of-a-kind season, Smith-Njigba is looking forward to writing a "new story" this season.
"It wasn't that long ago," he said about last season. "It's going to be a new story but we want to create a new story with this upcoming season. It's different. We have different guys, different people in the building. It's going to be a unique story and a unique challenge, different from last year. We're excited to take it on."
The ultimate goal though is to try and reach the same heights as last season.
"We want to repeat that of course, but coming in, there's been a new energy," Smith-Njigba said. "It's a fresh start and we're ready to get going and ready to take the next step as a team and a new beginning so to speak. We're excited and juiced up to get it going."
Smith-Njigba said this season, fans can expect to see an "upgraded version" of himself.
"I want y'all to see a different level – almost a different player out there," he said.
Adding, "I always say 'I can get better in all areas.' Year 2 with Sam Darnold and the receiver corps we have. Our group taking another step as we go into a new year is something special and something that we can continue to grow."
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos. Check out some of the best photos from his eventful day.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba visited the Virginia Mason Athletic Center on March 25, 2026 to sign a contract extension, speak to media and take photos.
