SoccerTransfer
Papers: Three Premier League clubs targeting Bowen
Liverpool, Newcastle, and Everton are all targeting Jarrod Bowen, regardless of West Ham's fate.
Sky Sports1 min read
NFLFeature
How good of a chance does Seahawks star JSN have to win OPOY in 2026?
TL;DR
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a strong chance to win the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award in 2026, especially with changes in the Seahawks' offensive lineup. The team will likely rely more on its passing game due to injuries in the backfield.
Key points
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a key player for the Seattle Seahawks.
- The Seahawks lost Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in free agency.
- Zach Charbonnet will miss the season due to a torn ACL.
- Seattle's offense may rely more on passing in 2026.
- Smith-Njigba averaged 15.1 yards per reception in 2025.
Seattle SeahawksJaxon Smith-NjigbaKenneth Walker IIIZach Charbonnet
How good of a chance does Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba have to win the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award for the second consecutive season in 2026?
A very good one. The Seahawks' offense lost Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency, and will begin next season with Zach Charbonnet on the shelf with a torn ACL. Jadarian Price, the No. 32 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, will be the starter beginning in Week 1. It's feasible to envision Seattle's offense leaning on its passing game a touch more in 2026 given the state of its offensive backfield.
Smith-Njigba will have the same teammates in the Seahawks' receiving corp next season. No Seahawks receiver was targeted even half as many times as Smith-Njigba was last season. Cooper Kupp came the closest with 70 targets to JSN's 163.
The great thing about Smith-Njigba's game, great being fairly understated, is his ability to extend the field. Los Angeles Rams WR Puca Nakua was the only wide receiver in the NFL that truly rivaled Smith-Njigba as a downfield threat last season. Smith-Njigba averaged 15.1 yards per reception in 2025 and that figures to stay the same in 2026.
Rashid Shaheed receiving an expanded role in Seattle’s offense next season is just about the only thing that runs the risk of threatening Smith-Njigba’s target share in 2026. Without a reduction in targets, it’s hard to envision a decrease in productivity for Smith-Njigba.
Q&A
What factors increase Jaxon Smith-Njigba's chances of winning OPOY in 2026?
The Seahawks' offensive changes, including the loss of key running backs and a potential shift towards a stronger passing game, enhance Smith-Njigba's chances.
How did Jaxon Smith-Njigba perform in the previous season?
In the previous season, Smith-Njigba had 163 targets, significantly more than any other Seahawks receiver, showcasing his crucial role in the offense.
Who are Jaxon Smith-Njigba's main competitors for the OPOY award in 2026?
While specific competitors are not detailed, Puca Nakua from the Rams is mentioned as a notable rival in terms of downfield threat.
