Seahawks' Trade Deadline Decisions and Roster Moves

The Seattle Seahawks made a significant move during the trade deadline by acquiring Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for fourth- and fifth-round picks in the 2026 draft. This acquisition is seen as a strategic enhancement to their already potent passing offense, which ranks fourth in the NFL for passing yards per game and first in yards per pass attempt.

Shaheed, a former undrafted free agent from Weber State, is known for his speed, being one of the fastest players in the league. He averaged 17.5 yards per reception last season under Seahawks’ offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who previously coached him in New Orleans.

Shaheed expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Seahawks, stating he is committed to staying in Seattle long-term and is excited to contribute to a winning organization. The Seahawks hope he will stretch the field vertically and create more opportunities in their offense, which has struggled against stacked boxes, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry this season.

Shaheed’s ability to manipulate coverages and his experience as a return specialist add further value to the team. Meanwhile, the Seahawks waived Jerrick Reed II, a move that reflects their focus on building a competitive roster amid a promising season.

The decision to part ways with Reed underscores the team’s commitment to optimizing their lineup as they aim for playoff contention. Overall, these roster moves signify a clear intent from the Seahawks' management to enhance their offensive capabilities while addressing depth issues, particularly at the receiver position.

As the team prepares for their upcoming games, the integration of Shaheed is anticipated to have an immediate impact on their offensive strategy, potentially reshaping how opposing defenses approach their game plan against Seattle.

Coach Mike Macdonald emphasized that this move was not merely about filling gaps but about seizing the opportunity to add a talented player to an already dynamic offense. The Seahawks now look forward to leveraging Shaheed’s skills as they seek to solidify their standing in the competitive NFC West.