Seahawks Land Rashid Shaheed in Trade with Saints for 2026 Draft Picks

The Seattle Seahawks have added another explosive weapon to their offense, acquiring wide receiver Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a pair of 2026 draft picks.

According to multiple reports, the Seahawks will send their fourth- and fifth-round selections to New Orleans in the deal, giving the Saints additional draft capital as they continue to reshape their roster for the future.

For Seattle, the move signals a clear commitment to surrounding quarterback Geno Smith — or his potential successor — with dynamic playmakers.

Shaheed, 25, brings blazing speed and proven big-play ability, attributes that have made him one of the NFL’s most dangerous deep threats since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

In nine games this season with the Saints, Shaheed recorded 44 receptions for 499 yards and two touchdowns, averaging over 11 yards per catch.

The Seahawks, currently in the thick of the NFC playoff picture, view Shaheed as a versatile piece who can stretch defenses vertically and contribute on special teams. His addition complements Seattle’s established receiving corps, which already includes DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and rookie standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Shaheed’s ability to create separation and turn short passes into long gains gives offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb another tool in his arsenal, especially as the team looks to diversify its passing attack.

For the Saints, the trade represents a pragmatic decision rooted in long-term roster building. Though the team initially sought a third-round pick for Shaheed, the pair of 2026 selections provides valuable flexibility. New Orleans now holds seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including two in the fifth round.

With several areas on the roster in need of attention — particularly along the offensive line, at quarterback, and on defense — the additional draft capital could help the Saints address multiple positions or be packaged in future deals.

The decision to move on from Shaheed also reflects the team’s current reality. Sitting outside the playoff picture and facing an uncertain future at quarterback, New Orleans appears to be looking ahead rather than doubling down on a fading postseason push. By flipping one of their more valuable assets, the Saints can focus on developing younger players while maintaining financial flexibility heading into 2026.

Meanwhile, Shaheed’s move to Seattle represents an opportunity to compete for a contender. The Seahawks have emerged as one of the NFC’s rising teams under head coach Mike Macdonald, and Shaheed’s speed could be the missing element that takes their offense to another level.

For both teams, the trade aligns with their current trajectories — a rebuilding Saints squad banking on the future, and a Seahawks team pushing all-in for the present.