Macdonald backs Shaheed as impact plan grows

Coach Mike Macdonald says he’s “excited as heck” to see what Rashid Shaheed does in 2026 after the receiver helped spark a crucial 16-point comeback over the Rams with a punt-return touchdown. Shaheed’s first full Seahawks season included 188 receiving yards,

The moment Rashid Shaheed flipped the field in Thursday night’s win over the Rams. it didn’t just give Seattle points—it helped keep the No. 1 seed on track. His punt return for a touchdown turned a momentum swing into a statement. fueling a 16-point comeback that grew critical in the race at the top.

Now the offseason work has the Seahawks looking ahead to what Shaheed can do when he’s fully embedded in the system. For the second straight stretch of the year, Shaheed’s presence has been more than a highlight reel; it’s been a weekly problem for defenses trying to plan around him.

On Wednesday, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald praised the way Shaheed has leaned into the process. “Rashid, he deserves a lot of credit,” Macdonald told reporters. “He’s been here the whole time. He’s had a great attitude. He’s had a lot of personal records in our offseason training program. The timing of our plays look like it should, given the amount of reps that are invested into it. I know I’m as excited as heck to see where it goes.”.

Shaheed’s first full season in Seattle came with a clear learning curve, yet production still arrived in waves. In nine regular-season games, he was targeted 26 times, catching 15 passes for 188 yards and seven touchdowns. He also contributed on the ground. totaling 64 rushing yards on seven carries. and his explosiveness showed constantly on returns: 14 kick returns for 418 yards and a touchdown. averaging 29.86 yards per return. plus 13 punt returns for 210 yards and a touchdown. averaging 16.15 yards per return.

When the stakes rose, Shaheed still showed up. In three playoff games. he recorded three catches for 78 yards. four carries for 22 yards. and four kickoff returns for 167 yards and a touchdown. averaging 41.8 yards per return. He also had two punt returns for 16 yards, averaging 8.0 yards per return.

The team’s confidence has already been backed by money. During the offseason, Seattle signed Shaheed to a three-year, $51 million deal, paying him $17 million per year. For a receiver. that number sits below the top of the market. which is currently set by teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba at $42.15 million.

But Shaheed’s value isn’t just tied to targets. Even when he isn’t the target of a throw. his speed forces defenses to adjust—stretching the field so other receivers can find space and running lanes for the tailbacks can open. His ability to run past everyone also has to be respected. and his return game remains its own threat to turn routine plays into long touchdowns.

Last year, Shaheed had to adapt while changing teams midstream, a tough task for any receiver trying to find rhythm fast. This year, he has been fully “ensconced in everything the team does,” as the Seahawks’ offseason reps have moved his timing and role into sharper focus.

And with a $17 million annual investment already on the table. the fit looks like it could improve quickly rather than settle. If Shaheed’s momentum from his first full season keeps building. Seattle’s decision may look like more than a smart addition—it could become a warning sign for other teams that didn’t move sooner to try to pry him free from Seattle when they had the chance.

Rashid Shaheed Mike Macdonald Seattle Seahawks Los Angeles Rams punt return touchdown No. 1 seed offseason training program three-year $51 million deal 2026