Is One Major Seahawks Weapon Being Slept On In 2026?

July 4, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

When we think of the Seattle Seahawks' offense and who Sam Darnold can utilize, we naturally gravitate towards Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and rightly so.

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The defending Offensive Player of the Year and an All-Pro after over 1,700 yards and 10 TDs in 2025 saw JSN elevate himself to elite status among NFL receivers.

But as we turn to 2026, the Seahawks have to find someone else to take the load of JSN because, let's face it, having back-to-back 1,700+ yard seasons is tough, impossible even.

Defenses are going to take him away, double team him, play a cloud coverage to limit Jaxon's impact.

Last season, JSN had 1,200 more yards, 72 more receptions, and 93 more targets than the next best receiver (Cooper Kupp). That has to change in 2026.

But who can be the player to take the offensive load off of JSN's shoulders?

Kupp is another year older, while Jake Bobo, Tory Horton, and Irv Charles are receivers who you can't really see stepping up into a No. 2 role, can you?

But there is one who I think has the tools and the ability to not only be a decent option for Darnold, but to be Robin to JSN's Batman, and that's Rashid Shaheed.

Now, I hear you say, "but he's a special teamer" and you are right...to an extent.

Let's not forget that Shaheed has the home-run speed and the receiving skills to be a legitimate weapon in the passing game. Yes, his 188 yards from just 15 receptions in nine regular-season games don't scream WR No. 2.

However, he has been a high volume receiver before.

In 2023 with the New Orleans Saints, Shaheed posted 719 yards and 5 TDs from 46 receptions. The Seahawks would love that sort of production from Rashid in 2026.

So, he has done it before, and with Shaheed already making waves at OTAs and minicamp, running the short and intermediate routes to great effect, maybe he can be the guy to take the pressure off Smith-Njigba.

Let's not forget, before he was traded to Seattle, Shaheed had 499 yards for the Saints in nine games, so he was productive.

And that is why Shaheed can be a legitimate No. 2 weapon for Darnold in 2026.

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