As the NFL world descends on Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, the freezing temperatures outside Lucas Oil Stadium are in stark contrast to the scorching heat of the trade and contract markets. While scouts prepare to dissect the 40-yard dash times of top prospects like Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the real fireworks are exploding in the backrooms. The week is kicking off with two massive bombshells: the Las Vegas Raiders potentially shopping superstar Maxx Crosby, and Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl hero Jaxon Smith-Njigba demanding a market-shattering contract extension.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Demands to Be Highest-Paid WR

Fresh off a Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots, the Seattle Seahawks are facing a new kind of pressure. Third-year sensation Jaxon Smith-Njigba has officially drawn his line in the sand. Sources confirm that Smith-Njigba’s camp has informed the Seahawks front office that he expects to become the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history, surpassing the $40.25 million annual benchmark set by Ja'Marr Chase.

"I think I deserve to be the highest-paid at my position," Smith-Njigba told reporters on Friday, just 48 hours before the combine festivities begin. "I give it my all, and I think that's worth a lot more." The timing is aggressive but calculated. After leading the league with 1,793 receiving yards in the 2025 regular season and playing a pivotal role in Seattle’s championship run, JSN’s leverage has never been higher. With veteran Cooper Kupp also retained on the roster for 2026, Seattle faces a salary cap crunch that will test GM John Schneider's famous creativity.

The $40 Million Question

The Jaxon Smith-Njigba contract extension talks are expected to dominate the chatter at St. Elmo Steak House this week. For Seattle, the challenge isn't just the money; it's the precedent. Smith-Njigba is eligible for an extension for the first time this offseason. If Seattle blinks and resets the market at $41 million or more per year, it could trigger a ripple effect across the league, impacting pending negotiations for other stars entering their contract years.

Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors Stun the Raiders

If JSN’s demands were expected, the situation in Las Vegas is a total shock to the system. Less than a year after signing a massive extension through 2029, Maxx Crosby trade rumors have erupted following the arrival of new head coach Klint Kubiak. Reports emerging late Friday suggest the Raiders are quietly gauging the value of their franchise cornerstone as they look to accelerate a comprehensive rebuild.

Why move a Defensive Player of the Year candidate? It comes down to draft capital and timeline. The Raiders, currently eyeing a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft news cycle, need ammunition to move up. Crosby, despite his dominance, is the team's most valuable trade chip. Several contenders, potentially including the Lions and Bears, are rumored to be preparing aggressive packages that could include multiple first-round picks.

"It’s not personal, it’s about aligning the window," an NFC executive told SportsVot anonymously. "If Kubiak wants his guy at QB, trading Maxx is the only way to guarantee they get him."

2026 NFL Draft News: The Mendoza Effect

While the veterans dominate the headlines, the NFL Scouting Combine 2026 is still ultimately about the rookies. This year, all eyes are on the quarterback class, led by the meteoric rise of Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. The Hoosiers' signal-caller is the projected No. 1 overall pick, and his interview sessions this week will be critical. With the Raiders, Giants, and Titans all desperate for quarterback answers, Mendoza's medicals and whiteboard work could seal his fate as the top selection.

On the defensive side, Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. are battling for the top edge rusher spot—a position that becomes even more valuable if Crosby is indeed on the move. The Raiders offseason moves could directly dictate how the top 10 picks of the draft unfold.

A Chaotic Week for NFL Free Agency 2026

Beyond the trades and rookies, NFL free agency 2026 is looming large. The salary cap has officially spiked to over $300 million, giving teams more spending power than ever. This influx of cash is emboldening agents to push for record-breaking deals immediately. Whether it’s Smith-Njigba’s historic ask or the sudden availability of elite talent like Crosby, this year’s Combine is shaping up to be less about spandex shorts and more about checkbooks and blockbuster trades.

Stay tuned to SportsVot all week as we track every rumor, trade, and 40-yard dash from Indianapolis. If the last 48 hours are any indication, we are in for a historic week of NFL trade rumors today and tomorrow.