The Seattle Seahawks have made a significant move by acquiring All-Pro wide receiver Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints. This trade comes shortly after another receiver transaction in the league, as reported by Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The addition of Shaheed is expected to bolster Seattle”s passing game, especially for the latter part of the season, as he is set to become a free agent.
This transaction allows Shaheed to reunite with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who previously served in the same role for the Saints. In exchange for Shaheed, New Orleans will receive fourth- and fifth-round draft picks in 2026, according to ESPN”s Adam Schefter.
Earlier in the day, NFL insider Jordan Schultz had highlighted the Seahawks as a team likely to make a noteworthy acquisition before the trade deadline. Jay Glazer of Fox Sports also confirmed that Seattle was in a position to make a deal, which has now materialized. With a current record of 6-2, Seattle is poised to enhance their offensive capabilities for the crucial remaining games of the season.
The Seahawks had been exploring options to strengthen their offensive line, but this trade appears to be their main move as they prepare for the second half of the season. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been impressive this year, leading the NFL with 948 receiving yards. Meanwhile, new addition Cooper Kupp was sidelined in a recent game due to heel and hamstring injuries, raising concerns about his availability going forward. The trade for Shaheed could indicate that Kupp may miss additional time.
Shaheed, who is 27 years old, has demonstrated his potential as a deep threat during his time with the Saints, averaging 14.9 yards per catch throughout his career. His ability to add a vertical dimension to the Seahawks” receiving corps, which includes Smith-Njigba and Kupp, may prove crucial as the team aims to maintain its competitive edge in the tough NFC West division.
The Saints were not only looking to trade Shaheed but had also been linked to discussions involving fellow wide receiver Chris Olave. Trading Olave would have been a more surprising move, and the Saints may now consider extending his contract in light of Shaheed”s departure. Leading up to the trade deadline, New Orleans had set a high price for Shaheed, reportedly seeking at least a third-round pick from prospective buyers, but ultimately settled for the later-round selections.
Rapoport noted that Shaheed was the primary target for the Seahawks due to Kubiak”s familiarity with him, ensuring that he can integrate into the offense without a lengthy adjustment period. Kubiak was the Saints” offensive coordinator in 2024, during which time Shaheed was on track for a standout season before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Now fully healthy, Shaheed aims to elevate his market value while joining the Seahawks as they gear up for a potential playoff run.
