Seahawks just helped Sam Darnold’s MVP push after trading for one of the NFL’s most dynamic weapons

The Seahawks’ passing attack just became a lot more dangerous.

Adam Holt, Evan Winter
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Nov 2, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball against the Washington Commanders during the first half at Northwest Stadium.
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has entered the MVP conversation for most sportsbooks after he lit up the Washington Commanders on Sunday night, and the Seahawks just helped his chances get even better after trading for the dynamic Rashid Shaheed on Tuesday.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Seahawks sent the New Orleans Saints a fourth- and fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

It’s a move that should help an already-effective Seahawks passing attack become even more so. Shaheed is true downfield threat that can take the top off the defense at any point in time. His speed can also help open up space for the running game, as opposing defenses will have to use more two-safety sets when he’s on the field.

But the biggest aspect of the trade is the fact Shaheed reunites with Klint Kubiak, who had him in line for big things before a torn meniscus cost him more than half the 2024 season.

Darnold’s big arm is a perfect fit for Rasheed’s elite speed

Darnold has arguably been the NFL’s best downfield passer through the first nine weeks of the season. Per NFL Pro, he’s second in passing yards (564), seventh in touchdowns (4), first in completion percentage (68.2%) and QB rating (150.6), and second in EPA per dropback on throws of 20+ air yards (1.68).

He has an elite ability to hit throws downfield, especially off play-action, and that’s the perfect complement for what Shaheed does best, which is burn opposing defenses.

Klint Kubiak’s past experience with Rashid Shaheed should help him hit the ground running

Kubiak was the Saints offensive coordinator in 2024. Shaheed was easily on pace for his best season as pro through the first six games of that year, as he had recorded 20 receptions for 349 yards and three touchdowns at that point. Based on those numbers, he would’ve finished the season with around 57 receptions for 988 yards and eight touchdowns. All of that would’ve represented career-highs for the fourth-year player.

Per Pro Football Focus, Shaheed’s 2.04 yards per route run ranked 16th out of 43 qualifying receivers with 32 targets through the first six weeks of the 2024 season. He was clearly coming into his own before the injury and Kubiak’s offense was a big reason why.

“This is one of those deals that makes the most sense for both sides. The Saints are heading towards a top five overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Shaheed is on an expiring deal. With no extension in place, it was smart for them to deal him away in exchange for draft capital – considering they only had five picks before this deal. Adding a fourth and fifth-rounder for Shaheed is solid value, given the market. For Seattle, they get one of the most dynamic downfield threats in football, and he already knows OC Klint Kubiak well from his season last year in New Orleans.

Shaheed was often the target on Derek Carr’s deep throws, particularly off play action. I would expect Sam Darnold to find Shaheed in pivotal moments, and the former Saints WR joins an explosive pass catching group that already included Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Tory Horton, Elijah Arroyo, among others. This NFC swap was a match made in heaven.” – Adam Holt, A to Z New Orleans

Shaheed hasn’t been as explosive in 2025, but that’s largely in part to New Orleans’ overall anemic offense that has plenty of problems at quarterback. Even then, he’s still on pace to set career-highs in both receptions and receiving yards, with the touchdowns not too far behind.

The Seahawks are rolling on both sides of the ball, but the offense is really starting to come together after scoring 27 points in five of their last seven games (four of which have seen them go for 31+). Darnold is the catalyst behind the surge and the addition of Shaheed will only make him and the offense more dangerous as the season progresses.

In turn, Darnold can certainly become the second Seahawk ever to win MVP after Shaun Alexander initially did it 20 years ago.

This story was originally published in A to Z Sports Seattle Seahawks, as Seahawks just helped Sam Darnold’s MVP push after trading for one of the NFL’s most dynamic weapons.

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