In a potentially game-changing move, the Seattle Seahawks have acquired wide receiver Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints. The Seahawks gave up a pair of mid round draft picks to get Shaheed for 2023. This addition bolsters their roster and provides an opportunity for another successful run to start the season. Overall, this is a big win of a trade for the Seahawks. Shaheed is in the last year of his two-year contract, so this move is extremely important.
Shaheed originally signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Since that moment he has decisively established himself as a fantastic value thus far in the league. He will continue to deliver an exceptional performance, as he has done during his career. He ranks third in air yards per target at 13.63 and ninth in yards per reception at 14.9. He made the Pro Bowl after the 2023 season as a return specialist and earned first-team All-Pro honors as a punt returner.
Well, the Seahawks are just as excited to make this deal to acquire Shaheed. Since he’ll be entering free agency after this season, the clock is ticking. His agent and the team will be talking about a long-term deal. So do they plan to retain him long-term, beyond his $6.185 million contract for 2023.
In thinking back on his trade to Seattle, Shaheed said it’s a combination of sadness and motivation. He acknowledged feeling a “bittersweet” sentiment about leaving New Orleans but is optimistic about his new chapter with the Seahawks.
“There was a lot of stuff circulating, but I had to stay focused on what I had in front of me,” Shaheed stated.
Shaheed will play a vital role in Seattle’s return game, likely taking on responsibilities as one of the team’s kickoff returners. Maybe his biggest advantage in making that transition will be with the offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. They’ve collaborated in the past when Kubiak was the Saints’ offensive coordinator.
“I’m super glad to be connected back with him,” Shaheed remarked. “But now that it’s here, I feel like I’m ready for it, and everything is going to be a smooth transition.”
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald was thrilled to add this difference maker to the team.
“Just an opportunity to get a great player and to augment what we were doing,” Macdonald noted.
As these Seahawks get ready for their first year together, they’re betting that Shaheed’s versatility can help them get creative on offense. With his proven track record in both receiving and special teams, Shaheed brings versatility that can significantly impact the team’s performance on the field.
So to recap, the Seahawks’ trade for Shaheed is an upgrade right away, but a deeper long-term play to improve their roster depth. If negotiations for a new deal prove successful, Seattle could secure a key player who has already made waves in the NFL.
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