On Nov. 4, 2025, the Seattle Seahawks made a decisive move at the NFL trade deadline, acquiring wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed, 27, from the New Orleans Saints.
In exchange, Seattle sent the Saints its 2026 fourth- and fifth-round picks, as the title contender looked to enhance its offensive firepower and special-teams explosiveness ahead of the postseason.
Rashid Shaheed’s Explosive Returns Ignite Seahawks’ Super Bowl Push
Over his first three NFL seasons (2022–2024), Shaheed amassed 94 receptions for 1,556 yards and 10 touchdowns in the Saints’ passing attack, also earning All-Pro honors as a return specialist.
Prior to the 2025 trade, he appeared in nine games for New Orleans, hauling in 44 passes for 499 yards and 2 touchdowns, including an 87-yard score that showcased his deep-threat ability.
In his nine regular-season games with the Seahawks during 2025, Shaheed registered 15 receptions for 188 yards, averaging 12.5 yards per catch, alongside seven carries for 64 rushing yards. While he did not score as a receiver, his impact was particularly felt on special teams.
In the return game, Shaheed has been nothing short of electric. He returned 14 kickoffs for 418 yards, including a 100-yard touchdown return, and added 13 punt returns for 210 yards, capped by another touchdown. His explosive playmaking ability not only justified Seattle’s investment but also energized the team.
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Shaheed’s game-breaking skills were further on display in the NFL playoffs, where he returned a 95-yard kickoff for a touchdown in the NFC Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers.
“I’ve not been able to play for a playoff team yet,” Shaheed said following the win. “This feels different. This feels like everyone has bought in.”
Seattle’s acquisition of Shaheed was a strategic one, in part driven by his previous connection with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who had coached him as the offensive coordinator in New Orleans. This familiarity allowed for a smooth transition into Seattle’s system and locker room, aligning perfectly with the Seahawks’ 2025 aspirations.
With the Super Bowl-contending Seahawks taking on his remaining $2.1 million expiring salary for the 2025 season, Shaheed is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
“I’m here to stay,” Shaheed told reporters after joining the Seahawks. “We can figure something out in the offseason or after the season ends, but yeah, I’m excited.”
