Rashid Shaheed’s 2025 Season: From Special Teams Star to Super Bowl Champion
When Rashid Shaheed first arrived in New Orleans as an undrafted rookie out of Weber State back in 2022, expectations were modest. But it didn’t take long for him to flip the script. From practice squad hopeful to breakout return ace, Shaheed carved out a role as one of the league’s most electric special teams weapons-and eventually, a legitimate offensive threat.
Fast forward to the end of the 2025 season, and Shaheed is not only a two-time First-Team All-Pro, but also a Super Bowl champion. His journey this year was anything but linear, but it was packed with impact, resilience, and the kind of highlight-reel moments that remind us just how game-changing special teams can be.
Early 2025: Back in the Mix in New Orleans
Coming off a knee injury that sidelined him for the final 11 games of 2024, Shaheed rejoined the Saints this season ready to make noise. And he wasted no time doing just that.
In the first nine games of the year, Shaheed looked sharper than ever. He averaged 12.9 yards per punt return-right in line with his career average-and was pacing for his most productive season as a receiver.
He caught 44 passes for 499 yards, including a career-high nine receptions in Week 8 against Tampa Bay. That’s consistency you can build an offense around: four or more receptions in every game, and a career-long 87-yard catch against the Giants that reminded everyone of his deep-threat potential.
But there was a twist. Despite the volume, Shaheed wasn’t ripping off the chunk plays at his usual clip. His 11.3 yards per catch through nine games marked a career low, a sign that the Saints’ offense wasn’t quite maximizing his explosiveness.
Midseason Move: Traded to Seattle
With New Orleans sitting at 1-8 in early November and Shaheed approaching free agency, the Saints made a business decision. On November 4, they shipped him to Seattle in exchange for fourth- and fifth-round picks in the 2026 draft. It was a move that gave Shaheed a fresh start-and gave the Seahawks a dynamic weapon just in time for the stretch run.
Seattle didn’t waste time integrating him. Slotted in as the third receiver behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, Shaheed brought a new layer of speed and versatility to the offense.
Over the final nine regular-season games, he added 15 catches for 188 yards and chipped in 64 yards on the ground. But where he truly flipped the field was on special teams.
Shaheed was electric in the return game once again, averaging 16.2 yards per punt return and an eye-popping 29.9 yards per kickoff return. He took one punt and one kickoff to the house-earning his second First-Team All-Pro nod in the process. It’s rare to see a player dominate both return phases like that, and Shaheed did it while learning a new system midseason.
Playoff Impact: Setting the Tone
If you’re looking for a moment that captured the essence of Shaheed’s impact, look no further than Seattle’s Wild Card matchup against San Francisco. On the opening kickoff, Shaheed took it all the way back for a touchdown-setting the tone for the Seahawks’ playoff run.
That wasn’t just a flash play. It was a statement.
And it forced every opponent after that to adjust. In both the NFC Championship Game against the Rams and the Super Bowl against the Patriots, teams actively kicked away from him.
That shift in strategy gave Seattle valuable field position and showed just how much respect Shaheed commands.
He also contributed as a receiver during the postseason, hauling in three catches for 78 yards. And while he was just a hair away from a few more big plays, his presence alone changed the way teams approached Seattle’s entire special teams unit.
Final 2025 Stats and What’s Next
For the season, Shaheed finished with 59 receptions for 687 yards and two touchdowns between his time with New Orleans and Seattle. On special teams, he averaged 14.7 yards per punt return and 29.8 yards per kickoff return, scoring three total return touchdowns.
Now, as he hits free agency for the first time in his career, Shaheed’s stock couldn’t be higher. He’s a proven playmaker with the ability to flip games in all three phases-offense, special teams, and momentum.
Seattle will no doubt try to keep him around, and there’s always the possibility of a reunion with the Saints. But with his versatility, production, and championship pedigree, Shaheed will be one of the most intriguing names on the market.
From undrafted longshot to All-Pro returner and Super Bowl champ, Rashid Shaheed has proven he’s more than just a spark plug-he’s a difference-maker.