When the Seattle Seahawks made the bold decision to scale back Pete Carroll’s role after the 2023 season, it wasn’t just a changing of the guard - it was a full-on philosophical pivot. Carroll, the face of the franchise for over a decade, remained in the building as an advisor, but the real power shifted to general manager John Schneider. And in 2025, that shift is starting to look like one of the smartest moves the franchise has made in years.
Schneider, now fully in control of roster decisions, had a lukewarm first offseason at the helm in 2024. But 2025? That’s been a different story - and it all came into focus with one midseason move that’s aging like fine wine: the trade for wide receiver Rashid Shaheed.
At the time of the deal, it didn’t scream blockbuster. Shaheed wasn’t a household name, and the Seahawks had more glaring needs - particularly along the offensive line.
But Schneider bet on speed, versatility, and game-breaking ability. Three weeks later, that bet is paying off in a big way.
Shaheed’s impact isn’t just about the stat sheet - though he’s had his moments there, too. It’s about what he does to a defense every time he’s on the field.
His presence forces opponents to account for him in ways that open up opportunities for everyone else. And in Week 16, he reminded everyone why special teams can still swing games in the NFL.
With Seattle trailing the Rams 30-14 in what felt like another frustrating loss in the making, Los Angeles made a mistake. They punted to Shaheed - something they’d avoided all game.
One cut, a burst of acceleration, and 58 yards later, Shaheed was in the end zone. Just like that, the Seahawks were back in it.
The two-point conversion that followed made it 30-22, and suddenly Lumen Field was alive again.
That return didn’t just flip the scoreboard - it flipped the momentum. It gave the Seahawks a shot in a game they were on the verge of losing badly. And it underscored exactly why Schneider’s decision to bring in Shaheed - instead of addressing more conventional needs like right guard - was a stroke of genius.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just about one play or one game. This was about vision.
Schneider saw something in Shaheed that others didn’t - a player who could tilt the field, shift the energy, and change the trajectory of a season. And that’s exactly what he’s done.
It’s also a reflection of Schneider’s broader approach since taking over full control. He didn’t just inherit Carroll’s responsibilities - he redefined them.
Carroll’s final drafts were hit-or-miss, and the roster had grown stale. Schneider didn’t hesitate to make bold moves, including trading away quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver DK Metcalf - two cornerstones of the offense.
Those were headline-grabbing decisions, but it’s the under-the-radar moves like acquiring Shaheed that define front office greatness. It takes guts to shake up a roster.
It takes vision to make it better. Schneider is showing he has both.
With the Seahawks surging and the NFC playoff picture tightening, that Shaheed trade might end up being one of the defining moments of the season - not just for Seattle, but across the league. And if the Seahawks do end up making a deep run, you’ll be able to trace it back to a single punt, a 58-yard sprint, and a general manager who bet on a playmaker when others might’ve played it safe.