nfl

Super Bowl champion Seahawks receiver Rashid Shaheed likely heading to free agency

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed runs a kickoff return in for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Rashid Shaheed’s time in Seattle may end up being short-lived. 

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Seahawks wide receiver and the team are not close in extension talks, adding that “the expectation is that he now will test the free agent market,” which kicks off on Monday.

Shaheed, who turns 28 before Week 1, was acquired by the Seahawks in a trade with the Saints in exchange for fourth- and fifth-round picks in the 2026 draft.

The two-time Pro Bowler slotted in behind No. 1 Seattle receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the eventual Super Bowl champions during the stretch run, catching 15 passes for 188 yards in nine regular season games. 

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed runs a kickoff return in for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. AP

Shaheed’s biggest impact came on punt and kick returns, where he gave the already-dominant Seahawks yet another impressive dimension. 

In Week 14, Shaheed returned the second-half kickoff for a touchdown. 

Two weeks later, he returned a 58-yard punt for a touchdown during a key overtime win against the division rival Rams. 

Shaheed didn’t slow down during the postseason, returning the opening kickoff against the 49ers during the divisional round for a touchdown, and later adding a 51-yard reception during the first quarter of the NFC Championship game.

The potential Shaheed departure could add yet another loss to the Seahawks’ offense. 

The Seahawks decided Tuesday not to tag Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III before the deadline, setting the running back up for unrestricted free agency and a likely exit from Seattle.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed runs a kickoff return in for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. AP

The future of running back Zach Charbonnet is also uncertain after he tore his ACL during the Divisional Round.

Shaheed will likely join a wide receiver market that includes Alec Pierce, Jauan Jennings, Romeo Doubs, and the newly released Stefon Diggs, among others.

Read full story at Yahoo Sport →