The Seattle Seahawks just won the Super Bowl — but the celebration might not last long.
One of their most explosive playmakers could already be on another team’s radar.

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Seahawks Face New Threat as Former Coach Eyes Rashid Shaheed in Free Agency

The Seattle Seahawks may soon face a painful reality of success in the NFL: championship teams often get raided in free agency.

One of the biggest names now drawing attention across the league is Rashid Shaheed, the explosive wide receiver and return specialist who played a key role during Seattle’s Super Bowl run.

And the team most likely to chase him might come as no surprise.

According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to pursue Shaheed in free agency, largely because of one important connection — new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, who previously worked with Shaheed in Seattle.

A Familiar Coach Could Lure Shaheed Away

Kubiak served as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator last season, helping shape an offense that balanced big-play passing with dynamic special teams contributions.

Now that he’s running the show in Las Vegas, he could attempt to bring some familiar talent with him.

“Expecting the Raiders to make a run at Rashid Shaheed depending on how the dominoes in the receiver market fall,” Fowler reported.

The potential reunion makes sense. Kubiak already understands Shaheed’s strengths — and how dangerous he can be when used creatively.

While the Raiders’ biggest priority may still be rebuilding their offensive line, adding a game-breaking weapon like Shaheed could dramatically boost their offense.

Shaheed Became a Secret Weapon for Seattle

The Seahawks didn’t originally build their roster around Shaheed.

In fact, Seattle traded for the former New Orleans Saints playmaker last November, bringing him in midway through the season.

But the move quickly paid off.

Shaheed became a multi-phase weapon, impacting games both as a receiver and a return specialist.

His speed and explosiveness changed momentum at critical moments during Seattle’s championship run.

Game-Changing Moments During the Playoff Push

One of Shaheed’s most memorable contributions came against the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs, when his return skills helped set the tone early in a crucial matchup.

Later in the season, he delivered another unforgettable moment.

In Week 16 against the Los Angeles Rams, Shaheed returned a punt 58 yards for a touchdown, a play that helped swing momentum in a pivotal game.

Those kinds of instant-impact plays made him one of the Seahawks’ most dangerous and unpredictable weapons.

More Than Just a Return Specialist

Although Shaheed’s special teams ability is elite, Seattle values him just as much for his role in the passing game.

He provides something every offense craves: true deep speed.

Shaheed can stretch defenses vertically, forcing opponents to respect the deep ball and opening up space for other receivers.

That dynamic was particularly valuable alongside Seahawks star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who often attracts heavy defensive attention.

Replacing Shaheed Would Be Extremely Difficult

If Shaheed leaves in free agency, the Seahawks would face a difficult challenge replacing his unique skill set.

Seattle does have young receiver Tory Horton, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, who could potentially take over return duties.

However, Horton is currently recovering from a shin injury, which will likely cause him to miss much of the offseason.

Even when healthy, expecting him to immediately replicate Shaheed’s explosive playmaking would be a major ask.

Veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp also remains on the roster, but his role is very different. Kupp excels as a possession receiver rather than a vertical deep threat.

Simply put, there aren’t many players in the league who combine elite speed, return ability, and big-play potential like Shaheed.

The Price of Winning a Super Bowl

For Seahawks general manager John Schneider, keeping Shaheed may now become a top offseason priority.

Championship teams often lose valuable contributors once free agency begins, as other franchises attempt to poach key players.

Seattle experienced the best version of Shaheed during its title run — and losing him just months later would be a tough blow.

But if the Raiders — and possibly other teams — start bidding aggressively, the Seahawks may find themselves in a difficult position.

Because when a player can change a game in a single play, he quickly becomes one of the most sought-after names on the market.