Jaxon Smith-Njigba Is on Pace to Break a Receiving Record That Has Stood Since 2012

There's no longer any debate on who the best receiver in football is.

by Bryce Lazenby

Sep 29, 2026

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates after a touchdown catch against the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 7, 2025.

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the best receiver in the NFL.

It’s not even really debatable at this point. So far in 2026, Smith-Njigba leads the league in receiving yards, receiving scores, and is tied for league lead in receptions. Smith-Njigba has at least one score and 100+ yards in all three games this season.

None of this is surprising, of course. In 2025, Smith-Njigba ended with 1,793 yards, which was one of the best receiving performances of all time. The Ohio State product began his career with 628 yards in 2023, and he’s gone over 1,000 in each season since.

Now, Smith-Njigba isn’t just on pace to cross 1,000 yards again- the receiver is on pace to set an all-time record.

Smith-Njigba on Pace to Break Calvin Johnson’s Record

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) celebrates after a touchdown catch against the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 7, 2025.

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The current single-season receiving yards record is held by the legendary Calvin Johnson.

Johnson set the record in 2012, when he accumulated 1,964 yards. Nobody has ever had more receiving yards than that in a season, and not many have gotten close. Interestingly, Smith-Njigba’s teammate Cooper Kupp is the receiver who got the closest to bringing the record.

At this point, Smith-Njigba is on pace to end the 2026 season with 2,295 yards if he plays all 17 games. This would easily be a new record, so the receiver might even break the record if he misses a game.

It’s not hard to imagine Smith-Njigba being able to do this. He’s easily the most important weapon the team has, and he doesn’t have to split targets with anybody. Smith-Njigba has plenty of chemistry with Sam Darnold, and Seattle’s run game has also been non-existent, so Smith-Njigba will be leaned on the rest of the way.

Best Single-Season Receiving Performances in League History

Dec 22, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) runs the ball after the catch against the Atlanta Falcons during 2nd half of a game at Ford Field. Falcon won 31-18. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

In case you’re curious, here are the top 10 single-season receiving performances: