COLUMN: Shaheed trade an underrated move

As defensive stars like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams were getting traded out of New York, the Seattle Seahawks made an underrated move. They got an absolute speedster, Rashid Shaheed, from the New Orleans Saints for a fourth and fifth-round draft pick in 2026.  

Leading up to the deadline, there had been talks about the Seahawks making a move. However, it felt like most of the chatter was centered around improving defense. Cornerback Tariq Woolen was one player at the forefront of those conversations. 

Though they never ended up moving Woolen and actually added to the offense. The Seahawks are coming off a game where they hung 31 points in the first half on the Washington Commanders. The offense was operating at an unreal level. Sam Darnold finished with 21 of 24 passing for 330 yards and four touchdowns. Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued to ball out with 129 yards receiving.  

After adding Shaheed, the potential of this offense with Darnold leading it is scary. He is a perfect addition for this offense.  

Shaheed is not a wide receiver one in the NFL by any means, but is an absolute weapon in the right role. He is a proven deep threat receiver who will feast against defenses that give more of their attention to Smith-Njigba. Not to mention the potential he has to make a difference on kick returns.  

He currently has 44 receptions for 499 yards receiving, which ranks him in the top 25 in the NFL. That production comes on a Saints offense that has been incredibly underwhelming. Shaheed is positioned to benefit from the upgrade at quarterback.  

Once Cooper Kupp returns to the receiver two spot, the Seahawks will have a trio of receivers capable of making big plays at any given time. The passing threat they now possess can also benefit them in the run game.  

Currently, they average 3.7 yards per carry, with deep threats at receiver; defenses will not be able to load the box and lock down the secondary. Something will have to give and either aspect of the offense could break out at any time.  

The Seahawks should still look at adding to their roster. If they want to sharpen their secondary, they should consider looking at free agents like Asante Samuel Jr or Stephon Gilmore. Neither are elite lockdown corners, but they can absolutely solidify a defense that may be on the verge of taking the next step. 

The Seahawks make this addition right in time for a challenging stretch in the regular season. This Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals come to town and they gave the Seahawks a battle the last time they met. In the next few weeks, they also come across teams like the Vikings, Falcons and Colts in addition to division matchups.  

Whatever teams were doing to prepare for the Seahawks has been shaken up as they now have to add in the threat of Shaheed. Combine the momentum the Seahawks have built so far this season, and I would not be surprised to see them competing for a top seed in the NFC standings for the playoffs in December.