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Seahawks Use Deceptive Contract Strategy to Sign Top Draft Picks

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 17:32 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Washington, Arizona, Texas, UNITED STATES

Seattle, WA - February 14th, 2026 - The Seattle Seahawks appear to have employed a unique, and ultimately successful, strategy in securing the signatures of their top two draft picks from the 2024 class: wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Reports emerged earlier today detailing how the team subtly manipulated the initial presentation of contract terms to both players, creating the illusion of a less favorable deal before revealing the actual, more lucrative structure.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Seahawks deliberately presented the rookies with preliminary contract proposals that emphasized a higher signing bonus but appeared weaker in other areas. This initial impression, however, was a carefully constructed facade. When Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon delved into the finer details, they discovered the contract was architected to maximize their guaranteed money and overall value - making it a decidedly player-friendly agreement.

Smith-Njigba's deal ultimately totaled $12.7 million over four years, while Witherspoon secured a $20.9 million contract over the same period. These agreements are widely considered to be above market value for their respective draft positions, a testament to the Seahawks' negotiating prowess and willingness to invest in their young talent.

But was this a shrewd tactical maneuver, or a potentially risky play with rookie sensibilities? Experts suggest it's a calculated gamble. In the current NFL landscape, where rookie contracts are largely predetermined by the collective bargaining agreement and draft slot, the margin for significant negotiation is narrow. Instead of battling over how much money, teams often focus on the structure - guaranteed money, incentives, and the timing of payments.

The Seahawks seem to have recognized this, understanding that the initial emotional response to a seemingly lower signing bonus could be leveraged. By allowing the rookies to discover the true benefits themselves, the team fostered a sense of 'winning' the negotiation, even though the final outcome was likely always within a predetermined range. This approach is in stark contrast to more adversarial negotiations that can lead to protracted holdouts and strained relationships.

"It's a fascinating psychological tactic," explains contract analyst Michael Klein. "Rookies, particularly those highly touted like Smith-Njigba and Witherspoon, often come in with inflated expectations. Seeing a seemingly reduced initial offer can trigger a defensive response, but if they then realize the structure is actually better, they're more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and be eager to sign. It avoids a potentially messy standoff."

Several other teams are now reportedly studying the Seahawks' approach. The risk, however, lies in potential backlash if a player feels intentionally misled. Transparency is generally valued in contract negotiations, and a perception of deception could damage trust. However, in this case, both players appear to have emerged satisfied, suggesting the Seahawks executed the tactic flawlessly.

The broader implication of this strategy is a shift towards a more collaborative approach to rookie contracts. Teams are increasingly recognizing that establishing a positive relationship with young players is crucial for long-term success. A disgruntled rookie, even one receiving a fair contract, is less likely to be fully invested in the team.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see if other teams adopt this "reveal the value" strategy. It represents a departure from the traditional power dynamics of contract negotiations, replacing confrontation with a subtle form of psychological persuasion. The Seahawks, it seems, have found a way to turn negotiation into a win-win situation, securing their key rookies while fostering a positive environment for future collaboration.