On November 23, 2025, Jaxon Smith-Njigba didn’t just have a big game—he rewrote history. The Seattle Seahawks wide receiver exploded for 171 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12, officially surpassing DK Metcalf’s franchise single-season receiving record. It wasn’t just a career night. It was a statement. And it came in front of a stunned crowd at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, where the Titans’ defense, ranked top-10 in pass defense, looked helpless against Smith-Njigba’s precision and speed.
A Record Years in the Making
DK Metcalf held the Seahawks’ single-season receiving record since 2020, when he racked up 1,303 yards in his breakout campaign. For five seasons, he was the face of Seattle’s passing game—physical, explosive, and clutch. But after signing with the Washington Commanders in March 2025, Metcalf’s legacy in Seattle became a benchmark, not a barrier. Smith-Njigba, a 2023 second-round pick out of Ohio State, entered 2025 as a rising star. He had 987 yards through 11 games. He needed 317 more to break the record. He got 171 in one night.The Night It Happened
The game was tied 17-17 late in the third quarter when Smith-Njigba caught a 42-yard slant over the middle, breaking two tackles and sprinting into the end zone. The crowd fell silent. The Seahawks sideline erupted. Just over four minutes later, he beat cornerback Caleb Farley on a post route for a 38-yard touchdown. That made it 31-17. He finished with 11 receptions, 171 yards, and two scores—the most yards by a Seahawks receiver since 2019, and the first 170-yard game in franchise history since 2021."He’s not a surprise," said Bryant McFadden, former Steelers cornerback and CBS Sports NFL analyst, during the network’s live postgame breakdown. "I’m not taking bold. I’m just saying this: he’s on historic pace. He’s not just breaking records—he’s redefining what this offense can do. And he’s doing it without a true No. 1 quarterback. That’s the part people aren’t talking about."
McFadden’s commentary, broadcast on CBS Sports HQ and later uploaded to YouTube, became a viral moment. The video, titled "Jaxon Smith-Njigba on HISTORIC Pace | Seahawks vs Titans Review," has over 1.2 million views. Though the transcript is garbled in parts—"he’s not a surprise... I’m not taking bold... 171 yards he..."—the sentiment is clear: this wasn’t luck. It was inevitability.
Why This Matters Beyond the Record
The Seahawks are 7-4. They’re not a passing team. Not really. Their offensive line has been battered all season. Geno Smith, 34, has been playing through ankle and shoulder injuries. Yet Smith-Njigba has become their most reliable weapon. He’s caught 89 passes for 1,478 yards this season—surpassing Metcalf’s 2020 total of 1,303 with two games left. He’s on pace for 1,700 yards. No Seahawks receiver has ever hit that mark.What makes this even more remarkable? He’s doing it with minimal help. The Seahawks’ second-leading receiver, rookie Jalen McMillan, has 52 catches. Smith-Njigba has more than double that. He’s been targeted 142 times. He’s caught 89. That’s a 62.7% catch rate. In a league where elite receivers average 60%, he’s above it—despite double-teams on nearly every snap.
The Ripple Effect
The record-breaking performance has already sparked contract speculation. Smith-Njigba is eligible for an extension after the season. With 1,478 yards and a franchise record in hand, he’s not just asking for a raise—he’s asking to be paid like a top-five receiver in the NFL. The Seahawks, who’ve spent years rebuilding around their defense, now face a new reality: they have a true star on offense. And they’re going to have to pay him like one.Meanwhile, Metcalf, now in Washington, responded quietly on social media. "Proud of you, Jax," he posted on Instagram. "You earned it."
What’s Next?
With two games remaining—against the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams—Smith-Njigba has a real shot at breaking the Seahawks’ single-season reception record (104, set by Steve Largent in 1985). He’s at 89. He needs 16 more. He’s averaged 8.1 receptions per game. He’s likely to get there.And if he does? He won’t just be the franchise’s top receiver. He’ll be its most complete. Most consistent. Most dangerous. And for a team that’s spent a decade chasing relevance, that’s worth more than any record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many receiving yards did Jaxon Smith-Njigba need to break DK Metcalf’s record?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba entered Week 12 with 987 receiving yards. DK Metcalf’s franchise record stood at 1,303 yards, set in 2020. Smith-Njigba needed 317 more yards to break it. He surpassed it with 171 yards in a single game, bringing his season total to 1,478 yards—175 yards beyond Metcalf’s mark.
Who is Bryant McFadden, and why is his analysis significant?
Bryant McFadden is a former NFL cornerback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2005 to 2012 and is now a lead NFL analyst for CBS Sports. His credibility comes from both playing experience and deep knowledge of receiver-cover schemes. When he called Smith-Njigba’s performance "historic," it carried weight—especially since he’s known for being measured in his praise.
What’s the significance of Smith-Njigba breaking this record without a top-tier quarterback?
Geno Smith, 34, has been playing through injuries and isn’t considered a franchise QB. Yet Smith-Njigba has turned him into a reliable target, catching 89 passes despite inconsistent throws. This highlights Smith-Njigba’s route-running, hands, and ability to create separation—skills that elevate even average quarterback play. It’s rare for a receiver to carry an offense this much without elite QB support.
How does Smith-Njigba’s 2025 season compare to other Seahawks legends?
Smith-Njigba’s 1,478 yards are the most in Seahawks history, surpassing DK Metcalf (1,303 in 2020). He’s also on pace to break Steve Largent’s 1985 record of 104 receptions. Only three Seahawks receivers have ever had 1,200+ yards in a season. Smith-Njigba is the first to hit 1,400. He’s rewriting the franchise’s offensive DNA.
What does this mean for Smith-Njigba’s future contract negotiations?
With 1,478 yards and a franchise record in hand, Smith-Njigba is poised to become the highest-paid wide receiver in Seahawks history. He’s eligible for an extension after the season. With top receivers like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase earning $25M+ annually, Smith-Njigba’s market value could exceed $20 million per year—a massive jump from his current $1.8M salary.
Is there a chance Smith-Njigba breaks the NFL single-season receiving record?
The NFL record is 1,964 yards, set by Calvin Johnson in 2012. Smith-Njigba is at 1,478 with two games left. To break it, he’d need 486 more yards—about 243 per game. That’s nearly impossible. But he’s on pace for 1,700+, which would be the second-highest in NFL history and the highest since 2012. Even that would be legendary.
