The Seattle Seahawks drew scrutiny for Rashid Shaheed’s 3-year, $51 million contract, with analysts calling it an overpay given his limited offensive production in 2025. Shaheed’s $17 million average annual value ranks among the higher salaries for a depth receiver and return specialist, despite posting only 15 receptions across nine games for Seattle in 2025.

Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport labeled Shaheed’s deal as on the list of the worst free-agent signings of the 2026 offseason, a critique echoed by Pro Football Focus, which called Shaheed the team’s least-favorite 2026 signing. The criticism centers on Shaheed’s minimal target share and receptions, particularly noting limited production in the regular season.

This scrutiny comes as the Seahawks also avoided overpaying for two other 2026 free agents in Kenneth Walker and Boye Mafe, according to Davenport. While Shaheed’s contract drew the most serious disapproval, Seattle’s approach to these signings reflects a broader conversation about balancing immediate role certainty with long-term value.

Shaheed’s post-season performance offered a brief counterpoint, with averages exceeding 25 yards per catch, albeit on a very small sample size. If his offensive role does not grow significantly in 2026, analysts argue the deal could be viewed as a misstep by the front office, particularly given his continued value on special teams and as a depth option.

Overall, the Shaheed signing highlights the Seahawks’ ongoing challenge: investing in versatile contributors who can impact offense and special teams while avoiding overcommitting to players with limited regular-season production. The 2026 offseason remains a focal point for evaluating how Seattle allocates scarce cap space among a mix of immediate needs and long-term assets.