As good as Rashid Shaheed is as a return specialist, it's baffling to say, but he never had a kickoff return touchdown during his time with the New Orleans Saints. That all changed this week, except he did it as a member of the Seattle Seahawks.
Shaheed has always been a better punt returner. He returned a punt for a touchdown in each of the last two seasons. Even last year when he only played six games, Shaheed quickly returned a punt for a score. He was finally able to secure that elusive kickoff score this week, though.
To make the play even more special, Shaheed took it from goal line to goal line for six. His 100 yard return versus the Atlanta Falcons is the longest play of the season by any player.
Going against the Falcons woke Rashid Shaheed up out of his slump. Saints would be proud
The Saints may have traded Shaheed earlier this season, but all Saints fans could be proud with this performance. Outside of the kickoff return for a touchdown, this was Shaheed's best game as a Seahawk. Even saying that is kind of downplaying the moment. Sunday was the wide receiver's first productive game with his new team.
Of course that came against the Falcons. It's the type of pettiness Saints fans live for. Shaheed finished the game with four catches for 67 yards. That was pretty regular production for him with the Saints this year, but that's more yards than he totaled in his previous four games as a Seahawk and the same amount of receptions.
That may come as a surprise to Saints fans. Shaheed didn't have a game with less than four catches as a Saint in 2025. Prior to Week 14, Shaheed had no more than 27 receiving yards in a game and 37 total receiving yards with Seattle. Comparatively, Shaheed had more than 37 yards in all but two games with the Saints this year.
It was beginning to look like the Saints finessed the Seahawks in this trade. Sometimes facing a familiar foe is all you need to remember who you are. That's what the Falcons did for Shaheed. He found himself making plays in special teams and as a receiver. Hopefully, this is a sign of Shaheed turning the corner in his new home.