Early in Seattle's first possession of the NFC championship game, Sam Darnold dropped back and launched a ball deep down the right sideline, and Rashid Shaheed, who had already blown past Rams cornerback Darious Williams, ran under the deep ball and hauled in a 51-yard reception. Four plays later the Seahawks found the end zone to take an early lead in a game they would eventually win to earn a spot in Super Bowl LX.
Two weeks later in the Super Bowl, Darnold looked deep for Shaheed again, but the throw was just out of the speedy receiver's reach, leading to an incomplete pass.
One play was a reminder of how tantalizing of a big-play threat Shaheed has been throughout his NFL career, including during his half a season in Seattle last year, while the other served as a reminder that there is still room for improvement when it comes to integrating Shaheed into Seattle's offense.
Joining a team midway through a season can be tough for any player, but it's particularly challenging for a receiver, whose success relies so much on chemistry and timing that is usually built up over an offseason and training camp, if not over multiple years. Shaheed was still a big part of Seattle's success on the team's way to a title, especially as a returner—he had kickoff and punt return touchdowns during the regular season, plus a kick return touchdown on the first play of divisional round blowout win to start Seattle's postseason run—but he, his teammates and coaches all know there's a lot more for him in the passing game now that he'll have a full offseason working with Darnold and the rest of the offense.
"It's definitely helped me out being here throughout OTAs and now training camp, just getting a feel for how things move around here during the offseason," said Shaheed, who signed a multi-year contract with the Seahawks before the start of free agency in March. "It's been nothing but great. I feel like OTAs went smooth, and now we're starting training camp. Just nothing but excitement.
"Just being able to get all these reps and time with Sam and with the offense, just getting adjusted as fast as possible. The time that I've had so far this offseason, I can definitely see the improvement compared to coming here halfway through a season. It's been good, and I'm just excited to continue to grow in training camp."
Shaheed, who spent his first three-and-a-half seasons with the Saints before being traded last year, compared the in-season switch to "jumping on a moving train, especially with these guys and the trajectory they were on last year. You've got to figure it out quick. Just being able to come in and be myself, the guys helped me out with that, the coaches helped me out with that, so now I've just got to continue to gain momentum through this year."
After catching 44 passes for 499 yards in nine games with the Saints last season, Shaheed had just 15 catches for 188 yards in nine with the Seahawks, but he definitely had no complaints about the move. Not only was Shaheed a big factor on special teams, the threat of his big-play ability was also a factor in the run game improvements the Seahawks had late in the season. And of course, that trade also led to Shaheed winning a title after missing the postseason in each of his first three seasons.
"Coming here and becoming a Super Bowl champion, you couldn't really write it any better. I just felt like I was able to come in and help the best way I could. That definitely gave me confidence going into this year."
In addition to the work Shaheed and Darnold have gotten in during offseason workouts and now training camp, the two Southern California natives also got some work in together in Orange County during the break before camp.
"We got some good work in," Shaheed said. "… That helps a ton, just getting timing down, just being able to work with your quarterback outside of the facility is always a good thing. I'm building chemistry, getting timing down, and I'm looking forward to continuing to build through this time in camp.
"Having a full year now and getting more familiar with the system is definitely helping, it's allowing me to play a lot faster, think a lot less, just allowing all of us to be ourselves. So many players are going to get opportunities to get the ball, and I'm excited to just be a part of it."
It's still early in camp, but the progress has been pretty evident as Darnold and Shaheed put that improved chemistry on display.
"For the folks that watched our practices in the spring, to see the improvement in the timing between him and Sam, it was really exciting going into the offseason, and I think they've picked up right where they left off," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. "I know they put in some work this offseason as well throughout the summer, and that's definitely paying dividends. Look, it's something that we just have to keep attacking. What are the ways we can get him the ball? What are his top routes? How's the timing work out? All those types of things. That's why you need all these reps so you can have a great understanding of that, so when we're playing our real games, we're just doing what we've been practicing this whole time."
Added receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, ""I'm happy he gets to have a full offseason and a training camp. Excited for him. Him getting connected with Sam as well. Taking that Year 2 step is going to be big for all of us, especially in the receiver room."
A bigger role on offense can sometimes mean a reduced role on special teams for players—that was the case with longtime Seahawks standout Tyler Lockett, for example—but if Shaheed has it his way, he will still be involved in the return game regardless of any expanded role on offense.
"I would still like to return for sure," he said. "Any chance I get to have the ball in my hands, I want to take opportunities of that. But I'm up for anything, we have a bunch of guys who can return on this team."
And who can blame Shaheed for wanting to continue that job after demonstrating again last season that he is one of the most dangerous returners in the game. His first big return came on a kickoff return in Atlanta, a touchdown on the first play of the second half that helped Seattle blow the game open after a sluggish first half. Then in Week 16, Shaheed helped spark a huge comeback with a punt return touchdown in a thrilling Thursday night win over the Rams. Finally, on what was the first postseason play in his four-year career, Shaheed returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown to set the tone in a dominant win over the 49ers. That return, given the stakes, was one of the most memorable plays of Shaheed's career, and as he explained it, the first time he really noticed the crowd noise as the play unfolded.
"I would have to say the 49ers (was my favorite)," he said. "That was my first playoff game and first playoff play.
"That was the one play in my whole career where I could feel the crowd as the play was happening."
Based on early returns in training camp, it appears that Shaheed will find plenty more ways to get the Lumen Field crowd fired up in 2026.
Seahawks players participated in the second practice of training camp on Sunday, July 26 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Julian Neal (1) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
The Seahawks on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety D'Anthony Bell (23) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence (0) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. (84) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Logan Brown (73) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14), wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) and running back George Holani (36) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Ricky White III (86) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (33) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) and tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cody White (82) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back George Holani (36) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Rylie Mills (98) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back Jadarian Price (8) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (56) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Rodney Thomas II (24) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Bud Clark (9) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safeties coach Jeff Howard with safety Julian Love (20) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) and wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Bud Clark (9) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) and cornerback Josh Jobe (29) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Andre Fuller (35) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks safety Bud Clark (9) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Michael Dansby (37), cornerback Julian Neal (1), safety Bud Clark (9) and cornerback Andre Fuller (35) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence (0) on day two of training camp on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
