Seahawks WR Explodes in Year 3: Is This the Start of Something Legendary?

So here we are, at the dawn of a fresh Seattle Seahawks chapter — and who would’ve guessed the biggest shakeup wouldn’t be just the quarterback switch, but also bidding farewell to stalwarts like D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett? It’s a bold move, no doubt, but the trust they’re placing in Jaxon Smith-Njigba is nothing short of fascinating. Watching him morph from a slot specialist into a versatile, wideout threat? That’s the kind of growth that’s both thrilling and a bit nerve-wracking. Can this third-year pro truly carry the torch as a bona fide WR1? Early signs say yes, and honestly, it’s hard not to get swept up in the excitement of witnessing a rising star redefine his game so dramatically… Isn’t that what makes football so damn compelling?

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - SEPTEMBER 21: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lumen Field on September 21, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. — (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The Seattle Seahawks are entering a new era.

They moved on from Geno Smith, but he wasn’t the only veteran to find a new home ahead of this campaign.

The Seahawks also chose to move on from their wide receiver duo after years together, getting rid of both D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.

Of course, the main reason they chose to do so was because of their trust in Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

And so far, the third-year pro has responded and lived up to the expectations.

More than that, the Ohio State product has looked like a legitimate star, and he’s elevated his game to new heights because he’s unleashed some new layers.

As pointed out by The 33rd Team on X, he logged 87.9 percent of his receiving yards on plays where he lined up in the slot last season.

This year, he’s up to 84.1 percent of his production lining up out wide.

Last season, 87.9% of Jaxon Smith-Njigba's receiving yards came on plays where he lined up in the slot

In 2025, 84.1% of JSN's production has come when he lines up out wide

Finding new ways to level up his game in Year 3 https://t.co/jUXOer7YWg pic.twitter.com/UwTWBC69c6

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) September 27, 2025

For most of his collegiate career, Smith-Njigba was known for being a slot specialist, but his speed, physicality, and size made some scouts believe he could thrive all over the field.

With two wideout threats like Metcalf and Lockett by his side, he didn’t get that many opportunities to do so in his first two years in the league.

Now, with Cooper Kupp handling duties in the slot, he’s become Sam Darnold’s favorite weapon.

The future looks bright for Smith-Njigba, and while it’s still early in the season, he’s starting to prove that he can definitely hold his ground as a WR1.

The post Stats Show Major Offensive Growth For Seahawks WR In Year 3 appeared first on The Cold Wire.