Rams rival just added years to two elite troublemakers with latest updates

The Los Angeles Rams are no longer dominating the Seattle Seahawks. In fact, in the past two seasons, it's been the Seahawks who have won three of five. And the most important game between the two NFC West Division rivals went the Seahawks' way, due in large part to the performance of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

So it should come as no surprise that the Seahawks have elected to pick up the fifth-year contract option for both players, ensuring that they will be around through 2027. And that fifth-year option is simply the harbinger of things to come.

Nothing about the Seahawks decision is out of the ordinary. Two starting NFL players with fifth-year options were informed that their additional contract year would be picked up. What is different is that they compete in the NFC West Division, and the news ensures another year of facing Los Angeles. And Jaxon Smith-Njigba, particularly, necessitated LA's secondary upgrade

Seattle isn't done with their roster by a long shot

Even as the LA Rams made significant strides to close the talent gap with the Seahawks, Seattle isn't done with their roster by a long shot. Even as Seattle lost five veterans to other teams in NFL free agency, it has retained many key contributors. And it's tapped the free-agent market to fill thin positions created by outgoing contributors.

And that's the challenge. Even as Les Snead has improved the Horns, the competition is making shrewd moves of its own.

General manager Les Snead made it a point to extend defensive contributors in the off-season to avoid a mass exodus if defensive coordinator Chris Shula might be hired on as a head coach. With Shula's return, Sneaqd must now pivot to extending offensive stars like wide receiver Puka Nacua and right tackle Warren McClendon Jr.

And Seattle made that a bit more difficult.

Now, the Seahawks are in a perfect position to set the market for wide receivers in 2026. And LA will have no choice but to follow suit. Like it or not, the Seahawks' election to pick up fifth-year options for two stars will create migraine headaches for Los Angeles personnel executives for a very long time.

As always, thanks for reading.