Seahawks Surprisingly Trade for ‘Big-Time Threat’ Ex-Pro Bowl Starting Playmaker

The Seattle Seahawks offense did not look lacking during the team’s blowout win over the Washington Commanders, but this did not stop general manager John Schneider from acquiring a former Pro Bowl playmaker. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that the Seahawks have traded for New Orleans Saints starting wide receiver Rashid Shaheed.

“TRADE: The Seahawks are dealing for Saints WR Rashid Shaheed, per source,” Russini detailed in a November 4, 2025, message on X. “Seattle has been combing the wide receiver market all day and lands on the New Orleans wideout.”

Seattle is sending fourth- and fifth-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft to New Orleans in exchange for the playmaker, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Here’s what you need to know about the Seahawks trade.

The Seahawks Trade Reunites OC Klint Kubiak With Saints Speedy Playmaker Rashid Shaheed

It is a bit of a surprise as Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been one of the best receivers in the NFL. Rookie wideout Tory Horton was able to step up in Cooper Kupp’s absence in Week 9.

Kupp’s injury is not believed to be serious, but the move gives Seattle a bit more depth at the position. Seattle’s offense just became even more explosive as offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak reunites with Shaheed, previously spending time together in New Orleans.

New Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed Was Named a Pro Bowler & All-Pro Member With the Saints in 2023

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo labeled the newest Seahawks receiver as a “big-time threat.” Prior to the trade, Shaheed posted 44 catches for 499 yards and two touchdowns in nine starts for the Saints in 2025.

Shaheed also has experience as an elite return specialist. The playmaker’s efforts earned Shaheed both Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors for his 2023 campaign in New Orleans. Shaheed posted 75 receptions for 719 yards and five TDs during a career season in 2023.

Seahawks Rumors: Rashid Shaheed Was Seattle’s Top Target at the NFL Trade Deadline

Shaheed’s experience playing in Kubiak’s offense proved to be a major factor in the decision to trade for the receiver. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport labeled Shaheed as Seattle’s No. 1 target at the NFL trade deadline.

“You can make mistakes at the trade deadline,” Rapoport explained on November 4. “You sort of wonder, like, how many of these things really pay off? Well, one way to know that a player is going to fit in a system is if you have literally the same offensive coordinator that he had the previous year. That’s where Seattle is.

“They’ve been looking for a fast receiver. My understanding is this has always been the target. They know what Klint Kubiak and Rashid Shaheed can do. They know how he can take the top off a defense. And I get the sense they’re looking pretty forward to it in Seattle over there.”

Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed Will Be a Free Agent in 2026

The only downside of the move is that Shaheed is a free agent in just a few months. Shaheed is on a one-year, $5.2 million contract and will head to free agency in 2026.

As for the trade, the TLDR version is that the Seahawks just added a big-play threat and potentially improved their explosiveness on special teams if the coaching staff opts to utilize Shaheed as a returner. To make it happen, Seattle parted ways with two future day 3 picks.

Seahawks Shake Up Roster, Cut 6th-Round Draft Pick Following Deadline Deals

The Seattle Seahawks made an unexpected roster decision following the trade deadline, waiving safety Jerrick Reed II, their 6th-round pick. The move came shortly after the team added wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed, signaling a shift in priorities to enhance the team’s explosiveness and special teams. Reed had recently been elevated from the practice squad when Julian Love was placed on injured reserve but had limited impact in his brief time on the active roster.

Despite being cut, Reed isn’t backing down. "This isn't the end for me," Reed said after learning of the move. "I’ve been grinding for this opportunity my whole life, and one setback won’t define my journey. I’ll keep pushing to show the coaches what I can do, whether it's here or somewhere else."

The decision to waive Reed appears to be tied to the team’s focus on building depth and flexibility in areas like special teams. Shaheed’s addition, a dynamic weapon capable of providing a spark in both the return game and as a receiver, appears to have pushed Reed further down the depth chart.

For Seattle, the decision highlights a shift in focus as they prepare for a playoff run. With the trade deadline acquisitions adding immediate impact players, Reed’s removal from the roster provides the Seahawks with additional flexibility and room to maneuver as they make a final push toward securing a postseason spot.

Coach Pete Carroll acknowledged the tough call in his press conference. “Jerrick’s a young player with a lot of heart,” Carroll said. “It wasn’t easy to make this move, but we’re doing what we need to do to win now. We believe in our guys, and we have to make those difficult decisions to make sure we’re in the best position moving forward.”

The move leaves Reed in a precarious situation. If he clears waivers, he may be re-signed to the Seahawks’ practice squad, but with teams likely eyeing his potential, he may find an opportunity elsewhere. Regardless of what happens, Reed’s mindset remains unwavering. "This is just the beginning," Reed added. "I’ve got the drive, the work ethic, and the mentality to keep pushing."

As the Seahawks continue their march toward the postseason, this decision underscores the team’s commitment to building a balanced, effective roster—one that can compete on every level, especially in the intense final stretch of the season.

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