Seattle Scores a Win with Cooper Kupp’s Praise of Jaxon Smith‑Njigba; Seahawks Fans Get Excited
In a major development for Seattle Seahawks supporters, veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp—who recently signed with the team—offered high praise for emerging star Jaxon Smith‑Njigba, making waves by comparing him to his former Rams teammate, Puka Nacua. This endorsement is resonating with fans who have long admired Kupp’s elite playmaking and are hopeful the Seahawks have landed a potent one-two punch in their receiving corps.
Kupp, a former Rams standout and Super Bowl MVP, returned home to Washington this offseason, signing a three-year, $45 million deal with Seattle . In both interviews and off-the-field remarks, he praised the strength, decisiveness, and fierce competitiveness he’s seen in Smith‑Njigba during offseason workouts . “The first thing that struck me was … he plays a lot stronger and is a lot stronger than I think people know about Jaxon,” Kupp told Good Morning Football. He went on to say, “His competitiveness and play strength are both very similar [to what] Puka [Nacua] was like coming in,” noting Smith‑Njigba’s drive to refine his game, ask questions, and “find ways to gain an edge”
This comparison is significant. Puka Nacua quickly emerged as a breakout star for the Rams, setting rookie records with 1,486 receiving yards and earning accolades for his early dominance. Kupp’s assertion that Smith‑Njigba shares traits with Nacua signals Seattle’s belief in Jaxon’s potential to impact their offense quickly.
Smith‑Njigba’s performance already shows momentum. In just his second year—despite missing two games—he recorded 100 receptions, 1,130 receiving yards, six touchdowns, and earned his first Pro Bowl nod. At 23, he’s established himself as Seattle’s primary receiving threat, especially following the departures of veterans DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
With Kupp’s return, the Seahawks have bolstered their receiving depth. Kupp, a master of route-running and precision cuts, will complement Smith‑Njigba’s style, bringing steady hands and savvy veteran leadership. Sporting News projects Smith‑Njigba to lead as WR1, with Kupp slotting in as WR2—an arrangement that could elevate both players.
There are challenges ahead. Kupp, now 31, has battled injuries and hasn’t topped 900 yards since his historic 2021 season; Pro Football Focus left him off its top‑32 WR rankings for 2025. Meanwhile, Smith‑Njigba must continue to prove himself as a No. 1 receiver capable of handling single coverage and consistent performance week in and week out .
Seattle is also navigating how to optimize overlapping roles: in 2024, Kupp took 63% of his snaps from the slot, while Smith‑Njigba ran nearly 77% of snaps there. Veteran deep-threat Marquez Valdes‑Scantling rounds out the unit, offering outside speed and stretch ability. It’s now on quarterbacks and coaches to distribute targets effectively.
From Cooper’s standpoint, the connection feels right. Born in Yakima and playing college ball at Eastern Washington, he’s back in his home region, with the chance to pay forward his experience and help mold Smith‑Njigba’s game. He’s particularly excited to work with a receiver who mirrors Puka’s fearlessness and physicality.
In the broader picture, Seattle’s wide receiver overhaul signals a strategic new chapter: trading Metcalf, releasing Lockett, bringing in Kupp, and investing confidence in Smith‑Njigba suggests a shift toward youthful precision built around veteran mentorship. Analysts agree this pairing—freshman star backed by seasoned excellence—could power the Seahawks’ offense.
Bottom Line:
Cooper Kupp’s vote of confidence in Jaxon Smith‑Njigba—highlighting similarities with Puka Nacua’s rookie impact—adds fuel to the excitement surrounding Seattle’s revamped receiving corps. With both players bringing complementary skills, veteran savvy, and star potential, Seahawks fans have real reason to anticipate a dynamic offensive duo in 2025.
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