The Seattle Seahawks' offense just got a serious injection of speed, and it could be a game-changer. After retooling their wide receiver corps, the team made a strategic move to bring in Rashid Shaheed, a player known for his blazing speed. But why was this move so crucial? Let's dive in.
Brady Henderson, an NFL Nation reporter for ESPN, sheds light on this development. The Seahawks, under new coordinator Klint Kubiak, were looking to replace the speed they lost when they traded DK Metcalf. Their initial attempt to fill this void with veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling didn't pan out, leading them to Shaheed.
Shaheed, acquired from the New Orleans Saints before the trade deadline, is set to be a deep threat for quarterback Sam Darnold. This addition complements Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has been a standout performer, drawing significant attention from defenses. While the Seahawks took a risk by giving up draft picks for a player on an expiring contract, their familiarity with Shaheed, thanks to Kubiak's previous coaching of him in New Orleans, mitigates this risk.
Shaheed's arrival might seem like a luxury, but after watching Seattle's offense put up 38 points against the Washington Commanders, it's clear he's more of a necessity. Injuries to key players like Cooper Kupp, Jake Bobo, and Dareke Young further emphasized the need for Shaheed.
While the Seahawks have other receiving options, such as Cody White and rookie Tory Horton, Shaheed brings a unique element of speed. Horton, despite being a potential draft steal, is still a rookie, and Seattle can't rely on him to consistently stretch the field. But here's where it gets controversial...
Shaheed is a certified burner, boasting some of the fastest speeds in the league. His speed will force defenses to make adjustments, potentially opening up opportunities for other players and the run game. His presence will give defenses someone else to worry about, and it's already paying off.
Shaheed's speed could also benefit Seattle's run game, which has struggled. By forcing defenses to respect his deep-threat ability, the Seahawks might see fewer stacked boxes, improving their running efficiency.
Exactly where Shaheed fits into the receiver corps depends on Kupp's availability. However, his familiarity with Kubiak's offense and Kubiak's understanding of Shaheed's strengths should allow him to make an immediate impact.
What do you think of this trade? Will Shaheed be the missing piece the Seahawks need? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
