With the 2026 NFL Combine underway, all eyes are on the upcoming NFL Draft, and the Cleveland Browns have some crucial decisions to make. One area that needs serious attention is the offensive line, while options for adding to the quarterback roster remain limited. But it’s the receiver room that’s really catching the spotlight.
The Browns are considering various strategies, like bringing in Jordyn Tyson to reunite with his brother or revamping the lineup through free agency. GM Andrew Berry is on the hunt for three key traits in potential wide receiver additions. However, the free agency market is heating up, with five teams needing to spend $250 million this season, likely inflating contract values beyond what the talent pool typically commands.
Enter Rashid Shaheed, a name being floated by ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, who I had the pleasure of discussing this with at the NFL Combine. Shaheed could be a game-changer for Cleveland’s special teams, which ranked 32nd in punt return value and 28th in kick return value last season, according to Schatz’s special teams DVOA metrics.
Shaheed isn’t just about speed; his impact as a downfield receiver is undeniable. Last season, he posted seven games with at least 50 receiving yards, including playoffs, while playing for the Saints and then the Super Bowl champs. His 687 receiving yards in 2025 outpaced any Browns receiver.
In his four-year NFL career, Shaheed has amassed 153 catches for 2,243 yards and 12 touchdowns, not to mention four kick returns for touchdowns. He even dazzled with a punt return score last December.
Projections from Pro Football Focus suggest Shaheed could land a three-year, $42 million deal, with $24 million guaranteed. While he might not be the top receiver the Browns need, his versatility and playmaking ability in the return game make him a valuable asset. Given the Browns' cap space and Shaheed's highlight reel, he might just command more than expected on the open market.