The Seahawks have many weapons on offense, but one analyst thinks one could be flying under the radar and could be poised to make a big impact.
The Seattle Seahawks' offense is going to have to evolve under new coordinator Brian Fleury, as the Super Bowl champs will be everyone's target in 2026.
With Sam Darnold orchestrating the offense, along with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, AJ Barner, Cooper Kupp, Tory Horton, Jake Bobo and Rashid Shaheed, there is plenty to work with.
But there is scope for improvement across the board, maybe not with JSN, as improving on his 2025 season looks to be impossible, but for others? They have to step up.
Horton and Bobo will be pure depth pieces, Barner has stated he wants to be the best tight end in the league, and then we get to Shaheed.
He was a midseason pickup for the Seahawks last season, coming over from the New Orleans Saints, and his home-run speed was a real weapon for Seattle's special teams unit.
Shaheed wasn't used as much on offense as maybe some thought, posting just 188 yards from 15 receptions on the regular season and 78 yards on three receptions in the playoffs.
But for analyst Michael Bumpus, he thinks that Shaheed could be in for a big year as a member of Fleury's offense.
“People are going to respect his speed,” Bumpus said on Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy. “They’re going to turn their hips. They’re going to stay on top. So, if he can get used to pushing it downfield, breaking down and filling the space in the middle of the field, he could have a really big year.
“Anything in-breaking, he has the opportunity to be great because of his speed.”
So I would imagine Fleury has a plan for Shaheed, because that sort of speed will keep defensive coordinators up at night.
Yes, his impact in the return game was on full display last season, but Shaheed can be a serious weapon in the passing game, too. He only had 15 receptions in the regular season, but he averaged 12.5 yards per catch.
So, he moves the chains, and having that sort of player who defenses have to keep an eye on, can open up other things for the offense. And if the defense relaxes, Darnold can utilize Shaheed and his home-run speed.
Of course, we've seen special teamers try their hand at bigger roles, and sometimes it doesn't work, but given Shaheed's skill set, it is something worth trying.
Because not many NFL teams have a speed merchant on their roster like Shaheed, so why not try to use it in every way possible?
