ESPN predicts Seahawks’ Nick Emmanwori will make NFL history just like Jaxon Smith-Njigba did during the offseason
Nick Emmanwori hit the ground running as a rookie and became a true X-factor for the Seahawks defense. It has him on track to become the highest-paid player at his position, according to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell.
It’s safe to say the Seattle Seahawks have some very talented players. Especially when discussing the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Nick Emmanwori has already made a big name for himself, too. He became the ultimate chess piece for Mike Macdonald in Year 1 and was a major catalyst behind one of the league’s best defenses.
It’s put him on an All-Pro trajectory for his career and ESPN’s Bill Barnwell even thinks he’ll top the market for safeties when it’s time for a new contract. Just like Smith-Njigba topped the market when he signed his four-year, $168.6 million extension back in March:
If there’s one young safety who really seems likely to budge the market forward, though, it’s Emmanwori.
Emmanwori’s ability to fit the run and hold up in coverage made him the perfect hybrid defender for coach Mike Macdonald. He’s still two years away from even being eligible for an extension, but don’t be surprised if he is the next safety to break the bank as a cornerstone for the Seahawks
bill barnwell
ESPN
What could a contract potentially look like for Nick Emmanwori?
Well, for starters, Emmanwori isn’t eligible for an extension until after the 2027 season. The NFL doesn’t allow players to receive new deals prior to the conclusion of the third season.
So, we’re talking a different world at that point than what we’re living in, now. There are players like Jessie Bates III, who is only 26 and is up for a new deal after this year. His contract averages $16,050,000 per year. The top AAV currently belong to Derwin James, who makes $25.2 million per year.
Nick Emmanwori’s rookie stats
The Seahawks drafted Emmanwori with the 35th pick (Round 2) in the 2025 NFL Draft and he immediately became a difference-maker on defense. Below are his stats from Year 1 in the NFL:
- Tackles: 81
- Sacks: 2.5
- Interceptions: 1
- Pass deflections: 11
- QB hits: 4
- Tackles for loss: 9
Meaning, Bates could sign a contract worth more than James’ after this year, which moves the goal posts for Emmanwori and the Seahawks. That kind of scenario, along with an ever-increasing salary cap, makes it hard to put a number on paper. Even if it’s hypothetical.
Regardless, with more players eventually climbing to the top of the pile in terms of yearly average and the ballooning cap, Emmanwori could hit $28-$30 million per year when it’s all said and done.
Right now, that’s pretty wild to think about. But when considering the potential of what he’s able to do on the field, what he means for the defense, and his production, well, it will make sense once the time for an extension comes around.