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The Seattle Seahawks didn’t wait long to put Rashid Shaheed in front of cameras. A day after acquiring the All‑Pro returner and field‑stretcher from the New Orleans Saints, Shaheed described a “bittersweet” exit from New Orleans but said he’s “excited to be here” in Seattle and eager to reconnect with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The move shores up a receiver room thinned by injuries and adds a vertical gear to an offense already pushing for the NFC West lead. He also put Seahawks fans at ease about the potential of him leaving as soon as his contract expires at the end of the season, saying he sees Seattle as a “long-term home.” “I’m here to stay,” he told a room full of reporters. ‘Excited to Be Here’: Rashid Shaheed’s First Words in Seattle Shaheed called the past 24 hours “a lot” but said the reception in Seattle has been “nothing but welcoming.” “It was a bittersweet feeling — a lot of excitement from my family and from me,” he told reporters. “I’m excited about the journey, excited to be here and to be part of the organization. I’m just feeling good right now.” The 27‑year‑old wideout said the Seahawks’ track record was a draw. “I know it’s a winning organization. That’s what matters the most in this league. I’m excited to be a part of it, to get to know the guys and the coaches, and get acclimated to the culture.” On weeks of speculation before the deadline, Shaheed added he tried to shut out the noise: “I tried not to focus on the rumors once everything started circulating.” A familiar face awaits in Kubiak, who coordinated the Saints’ offense in 2024: “I’m super glad to be connected back with him. He knows my strengths, and I know his mindset going into games. It shouldn’t be too hard to get acclimated.” Why Seattle Made the Move Now The Seahawks sent 2026 fourth‑ and fifth‑round picks to the Saints for Shaheed at the trade deadline. The deal reunites him with Kubiak and addresses immediate depth concerns at receiver, with Cooper Kupp (hamstring), Jake Bobo (Achilles) and Dareke Young (quad) all missing Week 9. Beyond triage, Seattle is betting on traits. Shaheed’s top‑end speed stresses two‑high safety shells and unlocks play‑action shot concepts Seattle already majors in under Kubiak. He also brings Pro Bowl/first‑team All‑Pro pedigree as a returner, giving special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh more options if injuries linger. 2025 Snapshot 2025 (through Week 9): 44 receptions, 499 yards, 2 TDs; 11.3 yards per catch. Career: 138 catches, 2,055 yards, 12 receiving TDs; 1 rushing TD; 2 punt‑return TDs. Contract: One‑year extension signed in 2024 ($5.2 million, $1M signing bonus). Seattle is responsible only for the remaining 2025 base salary. He’s due to become an unrestricted free agent after the season. Fit With Klint Kubiak & Sam Darnold Expect Kubiak to plug Shaheed into motion, over‑route and post/corner concepts that force corners to flip hips early. Seattle can pair him with Jaxon Smith‑Njigba’s route savvy and Kupp’s option work to create layered reads for Sam Darnold. On special teams, Seattle may deploy Shaheed situationally to manage wear while maximizing hidden yardage. What’s Next The Seahawks host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. If Shaheed passes his physical and gets through the install cleanly, he could see a package of plays in his debut – jet motions, posts off play‑action and a handful of return reps. Quick Facts on Rashid Shaheed
