Field Gulls
The Seattle Seahawks didn’t make a splash trade on deadline day, but they did make a reasonably significant move by acquiring wide receiver and kick/punt return specialist Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints. As if this league-leading explosive passing attack didn’t have enough firepower, Shaheed adds another speed and downfield threat element while also providing value on special teams. He’ll also get to reunite with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, with whom he only had a few games with before a season-ending meniscus injury.
Seattle gave up its 2025 fourth- and fifth-rounders to land Shaheed, whose contract is expiring this year but there is always the possibility that the Seahawks look at giving him a new contract instead of losing two picks for a half-season rental. Regardless of what happens to Shaheed beyond 2025, the Seahawks’ 2026 NFL Draft situation is now reminiscent of the ill-fated 2021 draft. There’s been a 33 percent reduction in available draft selections for the Seahawks heading into next year, and they’ve only got three of their original picks at their disposal.
Round 1: 1 pick (native)
Round 2: 1 pick (native)
Round 3: 1 pick (native)
Round 6: 1 pick (via Cleveland Browns through the Nick Harris trade back in 2024)
Total: 4 picks
No. They brought in more compensatory free agents than they lost.
If you recall, the Seahawks entered and exited the 2021 draft with only three picks, none of whom is with Seattle anymore. Supposedly 2026 is considered a weaker draft class coming up, so perhaps that’s why we saw more activity than usual across the NFL regarding trades and 2026 picks given up.
Of course, a key difference between 2021 and now is that the Seahawks still have their first-round pick. Should there be a replenishing of the draft capital, it’ll have to happen in the offseason via trade. If the Seahawks by any chance win the Super Bowl, I suspect it won’t be top of mind for the fanbase.
