The Seattle Seahawks are still searching for ways to turn Rashid Shaheed's speed into consistent offensive production, even as his work returning kicks has helped deliver a championship. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba accounting for more than half of Seattle's receiving yards, developing another reliable target remains a priority for the 4-3 team.
That effort faces an immediate interruption. Shaheed has been ruled out with a knee injury for Monday's game against the Chicago Bears, who enter at 5-2. Through seven games this season, he has caught 16 of 30 targets for 163 yards. His only touchdown from scrimmage since joining Seattle came on a rushing play.
Seattle acquired Shaheed from New Orleans on Nov. 4 last year for fourth- and fifth-round picks in the 2026 draft, then retained him in March with a three-year, $51 million contract. His returns quickly justified the trade. A 95-yard touchdown on the opening kickoff against San Francisco in the divisional playoffs helped launch a 41-6 victory. It was his third special teams touchdown since the move, part of a postseason run that brought Seattle its second Super Bowl championship.
His offensive contribution has been more limited. Across 12 games, including the playoffs, after arriving last season, Shaheed produced 352 scrimmage yards without a touchdown on 29 touches. His average of 29.3 scrimmage yards per game was well below the nearly 52 he averaged during his time with the Saints. This season, that figure has slipped slightly to 28.9.
Rookie offensive coordinator Brian Fleury has explored using Shaheed in the backfield. Against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4, Shaheed took a pitch for a 28-yard touchdown and added another 5-yard carry. Seattle has not returned to that package since, although Fleury said it remains available. Shaheed's only rushing attempt over the past three games was an end-around that ended in a lost fumble against Denver.
The deep passing game has also yielded fewer results. Shaheed has caught two passes thrown at least 25 yards beyond the line of scrimmage in 19 Seattle appearances, compared with 21 such catches, including 10 touchdowns, in 42 games for New Orleans. Fewer deep targets explain part of the decline. Quarterback Sam Darnold also acknowledged missing opportunities with his placement on throws against Denver.
Meanwhile, Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with 867 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. His yardage accounts for 53.9% of Seattle's total. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, only Lance Alworth's 54.6% share for the 1965 Chargers was higher through seven games over the past 75 seasons. Fleury said defenses are increasingly focused on limiting Smith-Njigba, creating opportunities for other receivers.
Seattle simplified its offensive plan before beating previously unbeaten Kansas City 20-3. The subsequent trade for All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson, along with the approaching returns of running backs Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet, could help strengthen the running game. Expanding Shaheed's contribution remains another objective. “I think there's more there,” coach Mike Macdonald said.
