The Saints sent Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks as part of Tuesday’s trade deadline frenzy, receiving fourth- and fifth-round picks for the veteran wide receiver.
New Orleans had previously set an asking price of a third-rounder, but they accepted less value for Shaheed knowing that he was hitting free agency in March. He was hesitant about the team’s quarterback situation, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, making him less likely to re-sign with the Saints.
Sure, the Saints may have been able to earn a compensatory draft pick if Shaheed left in free agency, but that would not come until 2027 and is no guarantee, either. It is also unlikely that Shaheed will receive a large enough contract to qualify for a third-rounder, and teams cannot receive multiple picks for one player through the compensatory system. As a result, the Seahawks’ offer was much better than what the Saints could hope to get by letting him walk in free agency.
Shaheed, meanwhile, lands in a better situation in Seattle. Sam Darnold is having another excellent season, and Shaheed seems positioned to slide into a deep-threat role in an offense that has only been able to rely on Jaxon Smith-Njigba downfield. That could help boost his stock before free agency, but the Seahawks also have their eye on quickly ascending the ranks of the NFC. You could argue they already have with a 6-2 start and top-10 units on both sides of the ball. That may inspire them to pursue an extension with Shaheed if he turns out to be a fit in Klint Kubiak‘s offense.