The Seattle Seahawks made a bold move to improve their wide receiver lineup by trading for Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints. In exchange, the Saints will receive a fourth- and a fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft.
Shaheed is in his fourth NFL season and is already showing promise with a career-high of 499 receiving yards this year. He has also caught 44 passes, just two shy of his personal best. After entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022, he quickly became a standout, earning a Pro Bowl selection and first-team All-Pro honors as a punt returner.
This trade gives the Seahawks a chance to build on their already strong offense. They currently rank in the top 10, boasting an efficient passing attack. Shaheed’s speed should complement quarterback Sam Darnold and the league’s leading receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Last year, Shaheed played under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in New Orleans and was on track for nearly 1,000 yards before a knee injury ended his season.
Despite having standout players, Seattle faced challenges. Their No. 2 receiver, Cooper Kupp, has been dealing with injuries, impacting the team’s depth. Last week, Kupp missed games due to a heel issue and later a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, rookie receiver Tory Horton stepped up, scoring two touchdowns against the Washington Commanders.
Shaheed’s arrival suggests Kupp might be out for more games, underscoring the need for depth at the position. Last week, Jake Bobo missed due to an Achilles injury, and Dareke Young sat out with a quad injury. With limited healthy receivers, the Seahawks are hoping Shaheed can make an immediate impact.
On the draft front, the Seahawks traded away some of their future picks, leaving them with limited 2026 resources. They still have selections in the first three rounds but won’t pick again until the sixth round. While injuries have plagued the team, bringing in a player like Shaheed may help ease some of the pressure.
General manager John Schneider knows that talent isn’t everything; finding the right fit is vital. In the past, he has faced difficulties with players who weren’t good fits in the organization. Shaheed’s familiarity with Kubiak’s system may aid in his transition, but the next few months will be crucial in determining if he can fit into the Seahawks’ long-term plans. As for now, they’ll pay him the remainder of his $4.2 million salary.
### Fantasy Implications
Rashid Shaheed’s addition could affect the fantasy landscape for both Seattle and New Orleans. For the Seahawks, if Cooper Kupp remains sidelined, Shaheed could step in effectively as the No. 2 receiver. This would push rookie Tory Horton down the depth chart. If Kupp returns, Shaheed might see less action, resulting in WR4 status.
For the Saints, Devaughn Vele could capitalize on Shaheed’s departure. Vele was acquired this preseason and could fill the role Shaheed vacated, making him a potential sleeper pick in fantasy leagues.
As the Seahawks continue their season, the depth and performance of their receiving corps will be crucial as they aim for a playoff spot. The team’s strategy and adjustment to injuries will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
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New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Fantasy Football, NFL
