When All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby speaks about an opposing wide receiver, NFL fans listen. Known for his relentless film study and no-nonsense honesty, Crosby recently offered rare public praise for Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba—calling his 2025 season “explosive” and “exactly what the Seahawks needed” [[1]].
But this isn’t just a compliment—it’s a validation of one of the most dramatic roster overhauls in recent NFL history. In a stunning chain of moves, the Seahawks traded franchise icon DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh, sent veteran Tyler Lockett to Tennessee, and then watched Lockett get released—only to sign with Crosby’s own Las Vegas Raiders for the 2026 season. All of it cleared the path for Smith-Njigba to become Seattle’s undisputed WR1.
So, who is this young phenom earning respect from one of the league’s fiercest defenders? And what does this mean for the future of both the Seahawks and the Raiders?
Table of Contents
- Crosby’s Honest Take on Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Smith-Njigba’s Breakout 2025 Season: By the Numbers
- The Seahawks’ Wide Receiver Revolution
- DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh: Why It Happened
- Lockett’s Journey from Seattle to Las Vegas
- What This Means for the Raiders’ 2026 Offense
- Conclusion: A New Era in the NFC West
- Sources
Crosby’s Honest Take on Jaxon Smith-Njigba
In a recent interview, Crosby didn’t mince words: “Jaxon’s got that rare combo—suddenness, route precision, and fearlessness over the middle. He turned into a legit No. 1 this year” [[1]]. Coming from a defender who routinely shuts down elite receivers, this is high praise indeed.
Crosby also noted Smith-Njigba’s improved chemistry with quarterback Sam Darnold—a pairing he favors over rookie Drake Maye. “Darnold knows how to use Jaxon’s quickness. Maye’s got arm talent, but timing? That takes years. Darnold’s got it now,” Crosby added [[1]].
Smith-Njigba’s Breakout 2025 Season: By the Numbers
After a quiet rookie year, Smith-Njigba exploded in 2025 under offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb:
- 98 receptions (3rd in the NFL)
- 1,320 receiving yards (7th in the league)
- 8 touchdowns
- 14.5 yards per catch—with 28 plays of 20+ yards
Most impressively, he led all NFL wideouts in third-down conversion rate, turning 62% of his targets into first downs—a stat that underscores his reliability in clutch situations [[2]].
The Seahawks’ Wide Receiver Revolution
Seattle’s decision to rebuild its WR room wasn’t made lightly. With cap constraints and a desire to accelerate youth development, GM John Schneider made two bold calls:
- Trade DK Metcalf: Sent to the Steelers for a 2026 second-round pick and linebacker depth.
- Move Tyler Lockett: Dealt to the Titans for a 2026 third-rounder to clear leadership space for Smith-Njigba.
The message was clear: the future is now, and it wears No. 11.
DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh: Why It Happened
At 27, Metcalf remains a physical marvel—but his production had plateaued. With $18M in dead cap looming and Smith-Njigba’s emergence, Seattle opted for financial flexibility and draft capital. Pittsburgh, desperate for a true No. 1 target for Russell Wilson, jumped at the chance—even if it meant absorbing a hefty contract [[3]].
Lockett’s Journey from Seattle to Las Vegas
Tyler Lockett’s move to Tennessee was short-lived. Unhappy with reduced role and scheme fit, he requested—and received—a release in January 2026. Within 48 hours, he signed a one-year, $6M deal with the Raiders [[4]].
For Crosby, it’s a dream come true. “Having T-Lock in our room? That’s leadership, route IQ, and clutch DNA. He’s going to elevate everyone—especially our young QBs,” Crosby told reporters [[5]]. The pairing of Lockett and Davante Adams gives Las Vegas one of the most experienced WR duos in the AFC.
What This Means for the Raiders’ 2026 Offense
With Lockett joining Adams, the Raiders now boast:
- Two 1,000-yard veterans with 15+ combined Pro Bowl appearances
- A mentorship pipeline for rookie QBs like Jayden Daniels or Shedeur Sanders (if drafted)
- Red-zone reliability—Lockett has 32 TDs since 2020
For more on the Raiders’ offensive rebuild, see our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:raiders-2026-offensive-outlook].
Conclusion: A New Era in the NFC West
The rise of Jaxon Smith-Njigba symbolizes Seattle’s bold bet on youth and speed. Meanwhile, Tyler Lockett’s arrival in Las Vegas adds veteran savvy to a team hungry for playoff success. As Maxx Crosby’s praise confirms, the NFL’s receiver landscape is shifting—and these moves could define the next chapter of both franchises.
Sources
- [[1]] The Times of India: “Maxx Crosby Shares Honest Take on Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba”
- [[2]] Pro Football Focus (PFF): “2025 WR Advanced Stats – Jaxon Smith-Njigba”
- [[3]] ESPN NFL: “Seahawks Trade DK Metcalf to Steelers for 2026 Second-Rounder”
- [[4]] NFL Network: “Tyler Lockett Agrees to Terms with Las Vegas Raiders”, Jan 28, 2026
- [[5]] Las Vegas Raiders Official Website: “Crosby Welcomes Lockett to Silver and Black”