Seattle Seahawks fans have plenty to cheer about as wide receiver Rashid Shaheed made a splash in their journey to Super Bowl 60. Acquired from the New Orleans Saints at the midseason trade deadline, Shaheed proved to be a game-changer, not just as a wide receiver but also as a dynamic special teams returner. His electrifying 95-yard kickoff return touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round is already etched in fans' memories.
Shaheed's availability at the trade deadline was due to his expiring contract, and with free agency looming on March 11, Seahawks general manager John Schneider has a big decision to make. The question on everyone's mind is: What will it take to keep Shaheed in Seattle?
Spotrac, a go-to for contract predictions, estimates that Shaheed could command a three-year deal worth $42.3 million, averaging around $14.1 million per season. This projection aligns with market trends, especially when considering Jakobi Meyers, another wide receiver who made waves at the deadline and later signed a lucrative $20 million per year extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars. While Meyers may have a slight edge in impact, Shaheed's potential contract seems fair in the $14-15 million range annually.
With $61.8 million in cap space, the Seahawks have the financial flexibility to retain Shaheed. However, Schneider will need to be strategic, as other key players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Sam Darnold, and Devon Witherspoon might also be in line for extensions in the coming year. Balancing these priorities will be crucial as the Seahawks aim to maintain their competitive edge.