Home / Sports / Seahawks Rookie Receiver Eager to Step Up After Star Departures
Seahawks Rookie Receiver Eager to Step Up After Star Departures
26 Jul
Summary
- Seahawks traded DK Metcalf and released Tyler Lockett, highlighting confidence in Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Smith-Njigba caught a career-high 100 passes for 1,130 yards last season
- Excited to take on a more prominent role and be a leader by example in 2023
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the 23-year-old wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, is embracing the opportunity to take on a larger role this season. The Seahawks' decision to trade two-time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf and release Tyler Lockett in March has highlighted the franchise's confidence in Smith-Njigba.
Last season, Smith-Njigba caught a career-high 100 passes for 1,130 yards, and he is excited to build on that success. "I'm excited about that role," he said. "Every year that I play football, high school, college, that year three is a role I get excited for because I know the offense, I know the DNA in the building, and I can put that on the field and guys can follow it."
Smith-Njigba also looks forward to the chance to be a leader by example for the Seahawks' receiving corps, which includes veteran Cooper Kupp and a cluster of young wideouts. He is determined to help the younger players, just as Metcalf and Lockett did for him.
As the Seahawks' top receiver, Smith-Njigba will face increased attention from opposing defenses, but he is confident in his abilities and the team's potential. His goal is to lead the Seahawks to a deep playoff run and a championship in the 2023 season.
