Seattle Seahawks face draft challenges after Rashid Shaheed trade
The Seattle Seahawks have made a bold move, trading for former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, a decision that has left them with a significantly reduced arsenal of draft picks for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager John Schneider now finds himself in a tight spot as the Seahawks prepare for the upcoming draft with only four selections remaining.
Trade Details
In a strategic but costly maneuver, the Seahawks sent both a fourth- and a fifth-round pick to New Orleans in exchange for Shaheed. This trade marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, as they had already entered the offseason with a limited pool of six total draft picks. The recent transaction leaves Schneider with little room for error and suggests that he may need to engage in more aggressive draft-day trades to bolster the team’s future.
Remaining Draft Picks
As it stands, the Seahawks will enter the 2026 draft with the following selections:
Round 1, Pick 26
Round 2, Pick 25 (No. 57 overall)
Round 3, Pick 27 (No. 91 overall)
From Cleveland: Round 6, Pick 7 (No. 186 overall)
The silver lining for the Seahawks lies in the fact that they still hold all their picks in the first three rounds. This positioning allows them the flexibility to either leverage these selections for additional assets or to secure high-caliber talent in the draft. The ability to acquire top-end players could serve as a critical advantage as they navigate their future.
Looking Ahead
While the trade for Shaheed adds an intriguing element to the Seahawks’ offense, it also underscores the challenges Schneider faces heading into the 2026 draft. With fewer picks at his disposal, the pressure mounts to make every selection count. As fans eagerly anticipate the Seahawks’ next moves, it’s clear that the team’s draft strategy will be closely scrutinized, making every decision on draft night pivotal for the franchise’s trajectory.
