Rashid Shaheed’s Impact Is Undeniable - And Now the Seahawks Must Fight to Keep Him
As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for Super Bowl 60, there’s more than just a Lombardi Trophy on the line. Beyond the X’s and O’s of Sunday’s matchup, the franchise is staring down a looming offseason decision that could shape the offense for years to come: keeping Rashid Shaheed in a Seahawks uniform.
Since arriving at the trade deadline from the New Orleans Saints, Shaheed has been nothing short of electric. Whether he’s flipping field position on special teams or stretching defenses as a wide receiver, his versatility has added a dynamic layer to Seattle’s attack that simply didn’t exist before.
He’s not just fast - he’s game-changing. And in a postseason run where every inch matters, that kind of weapon is invaluable.
What makes Shaheed’s emergence even more intriguing is his familiarity with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The two worked together in New Orleans back in 2024, and it’s clear that their connection has carried over to Seattle.
Kubiak knows how to put Shaheed in positions to succeed - and Shaheed clearly understands what’s being asked of him in this offense. That trust has paid dividends.
But here’s where things get complicated.
Kubiak is expected to take the head coaching job with the Las Vegas Raiders once the Seahawks’ season wraps. He’s already met with the team twice, and all signs point to Vegas making it official once the Super Bowl dust settles. That opens up the possibility of a reunion - this time in silver and black - with Shaheed hitting free agency after the season.
It’s no secret the Raiders need help at wide receiver. And with Kubiak looking to install his system in a new city, bringing in a player who already knows the playbook and can execute at a high level makes a ton of sense. Shaheed wouldn’t just be a gadget guy in Vegas - he could be a featured weapon in a receiving corps that’s searching for answers.
But Seattle has every reason to fight to keep him.
Shaheed’s impact on this team goes beyond stats. Just look back at Week 16.
The Seahawks were trailing the Rams 30-14 in the second half - a game that looked like it might derail their shot at the NFC West crown. Then Shaheed fielded a punt and took it to the house.
That one play flipped the momentum not just of the game, but arguably of the entire season. Seattle rallied to win in overtime and never looked back, locking up the top seed in the NFC.
That’s the kind of moment that sticks in a front office’s mind. That’s the kind of play that earns you a long-term deal.
And make no mistake - Shaheed is going to get paid. According to Spotrac, he could command up to $14 million per year on the open market.
Both Seattle and Las Vegas have the cap space to make it happen. The question is no longer can they pay him - it’s will he stay?
For Seattle, the hope is that their strong organizational culture and Super Bowl-caliber roster are enough to convince Shaheed that he’s already in the right place. Yes, there’s a comfort level with Kubiak.
Yes, the Raiders might offer a bigger role. But the Seahawks are offering something just as valuable: stability, opportunity, and a legitimate shot at sustained success.
There’s no denying that Las Vegas needs Rashid Shaheed. But so do the Seahawks - maybe even more.