The Seattle Seahawks lost several key players after their Super Bowl season.
But one explosive playmaker isn’t going anywhere — and a franchise legend is surprised they pulled it off.

---

Richard Sherman Reacts to Seahawks Re-Signing Rashid Shaheed

The Seattle Seahawks managed to keep one of their most dangerous playmakers this offseason, and Richard Sherman believes it was a move the team absolutely needed to make.

Seattle re-signed wide receiver Rashid Shaheed to a three-year, $51 million contract, including $34.7 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The deal ensures that one of the team’s most explosive weapons remains part of the roster as the Seahawks prepare to defend their Super Bowl title.

Sherman Didn’t Expect Seattle to Keep Him

Former Seahawks All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman admitted he was surprised the team managed to retain Shaheed.

Speaking on “The Richard Sherman Podcast,” Sherman explained that he expected Shaheed’s market value to make it difficult for Seattle to bring him back.

“I love this move,” Sherman said.
“I wasn’t sure this move would happen because of the guys that they have on the horizon to pay.”

Sherman believed Shaheed would command roughly the same salary he ultimately received.

“I thought Shaheed’s market would be right where they paid him — about $17 million a year,” Sherman said.

Still, Sherman wasn’t certain Seattle would be willing to commit that kind of money.

Shaheed Brings Game-Changing Speed

Shaheed joined the Seahawks during the 2025 season in a midseason trade with the New Orleans Saints and quickly proved to be a difference-maker.

While his offensive production was limited — 15 receptions for 188 yards — his impact was most noticeable on special teams, where he scored three touchdowns.

His speed and versatility made him one of the most dangerous return specialists in the league.

Bigger Offensive Role Expected

Sherman believes Shaheed’s role in Seattle’s offense will expand significantly in 2026.

“When you’re paying a guy $17 million, you don’t just use him on special teams,” Sherman said.

Instead, Sherman expects the Seahawks to take advantage of Shaheed’s deep-threat ability.

“I would expect him to get at least two deep shots a game,” Sherman explained.
“That keeps defenses honest.”

According to Sherman, using Shaheed as a vertical weapon could make Seattle’s offense even harder to stop.

Seahawks Worked Hard to Keep Him

Seahawks general manager John Schneider revealed that re-signing Shaheed wasn’t easy.

“We thought that was going to be very difficult to get him back,” Schneider said during an appearance on Seattle Sports’ “Wyman and Bob.”

However, Shaheed reportedly wanted to remain in Seattle after enjoying his experience with the team.

“He really wanted to be here,” Schneider said.
“He loved his experience here and loves everyone in the building.”

Seattle also had extra motivation to keep him after previously trading two draft picks to acquire him.

Key Piece of Seattle’s Title Defense

With Shaheed staying in Seattle, the Seahawks retain a player capable of changing games with one play.

Between his deep-threat speed, return ability, and expanding offensive role, Shaheed could become an even bigger part of Seattle’s attack in 2026.

And if Sherman’s prediction proves correct, Seahawks fans may see him making even more explosive plays next season.