The NFL season is a tapestry woven with unexpected narratives, and among the most compelling trending stories of 2025 is the unexpected rise of Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
If you’re an Ohio State or Seattle fan, then “unexpected” is a strong word, but the Seahawks are using a surprisingly ground-heavy offensive approach, and Smith-Njigba, known as “JSN”, has defied conventional wisdom by not only leading the league in receiving yards but doing so with a historic level of target share. His dominance is forcing a re-evaluation of how teams can succeed in a passing league and highlighting his individual talent as an undeniable force.
The Unexpected Rise of Jaxon Smith-Njigba
A Unique Statistical Anomaly
As of Week 7, JSN leads the NFL with 696 receiving yards, significantly ahead of other prominent receivers. What makes this feat truly remarkable is the context of Seattle’s offensive strategy. The Seahawks are currently operating with the second-lowest pass rate since 1980 by a team featuring the league’s receiving yards leader.
This means JSN is dominating targets and yardage in an offense that, by modern NFL standards, doesn’t throw the ball very much. His 44.7 percent share of the Seahawks’ receiving yards is the third highest since 2000, underscoring his pivotal role in Seattle’s offensive output.
This isn’t merely about raw numbers, it’s about efficiency and impact. JSN’s ability to consistently create separation and generate big plays, with 13 plays of 20+ yards and five of 40+ yards this season, showcases his elite talent. He is effectively carrying the passing game on his shoulders, turning short passes into significant gains and making crucial catches in every situation.
The “Slot Man” No More?
Adding another layer to JSN’s evolving story is his changing alignment within the Seahawks’ offense. For the past two seasons, he was primarily used in the slot, lining up inside on 69 percent and 83.6 percent of his snaps, respectively. However, this season, under the direction of Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak, along with the addition of Cooper Kupp, JSN is seeing significantly more snaps aligned outside, playing in the slot on only 20 percent of his snaps.
This strategic shift, potentially influenced by Seattle’s adoption of more two-tight end sets, has not hindered his production but rather seems to have unlocked new dimensions of his game. He’s proving he can be a dominant force regardless of his pre-snap alignment, forcing defenses to account for him across the entire field.
Redefining a Team and a Player
The success of JSN in this run-heavy scheme is a testament to both his talent and the Seahawks’ willingness to adapt their strategy around their best players. It’s a reminder that while the NFL has become increasingly pass-centric, a balanced or even ground-focused approach can still yield significant results when you have a truly special talent leading the receiving corps.
JSN’s journey to becoming the league’s leading receiver, defying his team’s low pass rate, is one of the most compelling narratives of the 2025 season so far. He is not only making a name for himself but potentially forcing the entire league to reconsider how a dominant wide receiver can thrive in various offensive philosophies.
His upcoming Week 7 matchup against the Houston Texans, and specifically against lockdown corner Derek Stingley Jr., will be a critical test of this versatility. Stingley has demonstrated a stifling ability to limit opposing passers, allowing just a 51.5 passer rating as the nearest defender since 2024. It will be interesting to see if Kubiak opts to move JSN into the slot more frequently in this game to avoid Stingley, or if they continue with their current alignment to maximize his overall impact.
Main Image: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
