Seattle Seahawks fans’ biggest offseason fear appears to be coming true: star wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is likely leaving the franchise, according to the latest concerning reports.
Rashid Shaheed Not Close to Renewing Contract With Seattle Seahawks
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the WR is not close to a contract extension with the Seahawks, and the expectation is that he will test the free agent market on Monday. Despite his interest in staying, no agreement was reached before free agency began.
Although the Seattle franchise has considerable salary cap space, Shaheed’s decision to test the market suggests that he may receive competitive offers from other teams that guarantee him a more central role in the offense.
By testing the market, Shaheed gives other teams a chance to make offers. This puts pressure on the Seahawks to match those offers if they want to keep him, a common tactic for players feeling undervalued.
Rashid Shaheed is said to not be close to an extension with the Seahawks and the expectation is that he now will test the free agent market Monday, per sources. pic.twitter.com/O0xwPdfNZn
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2026
Seattle is projected to have one of the largest salary cap spaces in the league in 2026. According to Spotrac, Their Top-51 cap space sits at approximately $60.7 million, ranking them 6th in the league in offseason flexibility.
However, several significant players have contracts expiring before then. Running back Kenneth Walker III and key defenders Riq Woolen, Boye Mafe, and Coby Bryant all remain unsigned beyond their current deals.
During the most recent season, Shaheed played a key role on special teams and in specific deep-play situations for the Seahawks. He did not record any offensive touchdowns in the regular season, but contributed significantly as a return specialist, scoring three return touchdowns, including one in the playoffs against the 49ers.
Shaheed Faces Competition on Seahawks Roster
One reason Shaheed is testing the market is the increased competition from teammates Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, who have reduced his opportunities as the primary receiver.
Given this scenario, a team lacking speedy receivers would be ideal for signing him, with the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Buffalo Bills being the main teams in this regard.
Shaheed, who ranks No. 70 in the PFSN WR Impact metric with a C- grade, entered the league as a free agent with the New Orleans Saints in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the elite returners in the following seasons. In 2023, he earned Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors as a punt returner.
The WR joined the Seahawks in 2025 after being traded in exchange for 4th and 5th round picks in the 2026 Draft. He established himself as a reliable player and key contributor to the Seahawks’ Super Bowl 60 win during his time with the team.
