What a season it was for Rashid Shaheed, one of the NFL's most electrifying players. After being traded mid-season from the New Orleans Saints to the Seattle Seahawks, Shaheed was expected to bolster Sam Darnold’s receiving corps. However, his role took a surprising turn, showcasing his versatility in a different arena.
While Shaheed saw limited action in the Seahawks' passing game, he became a game-changer on special teams. His impact as a return specialist was immediate and profound, especially during the Seahawks' playoff run. This mid-season trade turned out to be a masterstroke, and now the offseason presents a new challenge: securing Shaheed’s future with the team.
With the Seahawks sitting on a healthy $74 million in salary cap space, General Manager John Schneider has some decisions to make. Shaheed should be at the top of his list. The dynamic returner and potential No. 3 receiver behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp could be a key piece in maintaining Seattle’s competitive edge.
Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP, might be on his way out, with lucrative offers likely coming his way. But Shaheed’s journey with the Seahawks has been nothing short of transformative. His contributions in two playoff games highlighted his value, and his prowess as a returner should compel Schneider to make a compelling offer.
Shaheed’s presence helped create a balanced Seahawks team, influencing all phases of the game. Although he didn’t have a breakout play in the Super Bowl, his six fair catches set an NFL record, hinting at what could have been had he been given more opportunities.
Trading for Shaheed was arguably one of Schneider's best mid-season moves. Now, it’s time to solidify that success by ensuring Shaheed remains in Seattle with a new contract. His potential to continue making game-changing plays makes him an invaluable asset for the Seahawks moving forward.