Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed Primed for Larger Offensive Role in 2026

The Seattle Seahawks didn't sign Rashid Shaheed to a three-year, $51 million contract this offseason to simply remain one of the NFL's top return specialists.

They expect him to become a major offensive contributor.

After helping Seattle capture a Super Bowl with three return touchdowns following his midseason arrival from the New Orleans Saints, Shaheed enters 2026 with an opportunity to establish himself as the Seahawks' No. 2 receiver behind reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

According to Seattle Sports' Cameron Van Til — all signs point toward that breakout becoming reality.

"Shaheed provided a massive impact on special teams last season, scoring three touchdowns as a return man after arriving in a November trade with the New Orleans Saints," Van Til wrote. "But the 27-year-old speedster didn't have nearly the same level of production at receiver, totaling just 18 catches for 266 yards in 12 combined regular-season and postseason games with Seattle.

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"That could change in 2026. There's been a lot of buzz about Shaheed's performance in OTAs and minicamp, including his growing rapport with quarterback Sam Darnold."

The optimism should extend beyond offseason practices ... because the speedster has already proven his ability to produce in such a role. 

Before arriving in Seattle, Shaheed showed he could thrive as a secondary receiving threat in New Orleans, highlighted by a career-best 719-yard campaign in 2023.

"During his time in New Orleans, Shaheed proved capable of being a legitimate No. 2 wideout," Van Til added. "The Seahawks clearly have confidence he can achieve similar production in the Pacific Northwest, as evidenced by the three-year, $51 million deal they gave him in March."

But it's not just local Seattle media hyping a potential Shaheed breakout. The sentiment has been echoed nationally as well.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently reported on NFL Live that Shaheed enjoyed a strong spring while developing chemistry with Sam Darnold in Brian Fleury's new offense.

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"I did make some calls before I came on the show," Fowler said. "A little intel on Seattle. More motion and shifts in the offense. They will have that with Brian Fleury. I'm told Sam Darnold is really comfortable with that. Rashid Shaheed, we know, is fast. He had a strong spring. I was told he and Sam Darnold are hitting it off. They're going to give him more."

If that chemistry carries into the regular season, Seattle may be able to elevate Shaheed's status from a gadget guy to a key offensive contributor. 

And should the Seahawks manage to unlock an additional dynamic layer of their scoring attack to complement their already-dominant defense, a run back to the Super Bowl can't be ruled out for the defending champs.