Former Saints WR Rashid Shaheed talks trade, love for New Orleans

By Ross Jackson

One Seattle Seahawks player will have a host of New Orleans Saints fans cheering for him as he takes the field to compete in Super Bowl LX. Former Saints, now Seahawks, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed spoke with LouisianaSports.Net Wednesday during Super Bowl media availability and shared his excitement to push for a championship in Seattle, but most of all, his fond memories and still-strong relationship with the city of New Orleans.

“It meant everything to me,” said Shaheed when asked about his time in New Orleans. “The city truly embraced me from the jump. I love the city, I love the culture, I love the people. I want to go back as many times as I get the opportunity to. My time there was a dream, honestly. A kid coming from an FCS school to playing in the Dome, playing in the black and gold. So many memories.”

Shaheed was traded at the trade deadline to the Seahawks in exchange for a pair of 2026 NFL Draft selections at the trade deadline.

The speedy wideout said that the move was a surprise because of how tightly it took place to the deadline and detailed how that day unfolded.

“It was right at the deadline,” he said. “I honestly thought that I was going to pass through and it was all going to be smooth. It was crazy, I was pulling up to the facility and I got a call. I parked my car and it was my financial advisor that broke the news out of all people. That’s how I found out and four hours later I’m on a plane to Seattle. It all happened really, really quickly, but it’s been good.”

Players find out they have been traded a myriad of ways with the speed of the newscycle nowadays, so Shaheed finding out from someone that’s not a part of either organization isn’t massively surprising. So much so that he made it clear that there’s no ill-will or bad blood when it comes to him and New Orleans when discussing fans that want to see him back in New Orleans after his contract year concludes. 

“I’m so glad that I had enough of an impact that (Saints fans) want me to come back,” he said. “There’s no bad blood from either side. We both have a lot of love. So no, I’m not opposed to (a return) at all.”

When asked what he missed most about the city, he quickly highlighted two of New Orleans’ best offerings. The food and the people. 

Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed on what he misses most about New Orleans.

“I miss the crawfish, I miss the beignets, I miss the people…”

More later on Locked On #Saints and @LASportsDotNet. pic.twitter.com/Q2R9wLHrW3

— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) February 4, 2026

It’s clear that despite the trade, there’s no animosity being harbored by the wideout. After all, it’s worked out great for him, being within striking distance of a Lombardi Trophy. While the door remains open for a return, it’s wise not to get hopes up. It’s hard to capture the type of success the Seahawks and Shaheed have had together. That’s likely something the two sides will look to preserve.

However, should the opportunity present itself, the Weber State wideout’s love for the city holds strong and his appreciation for the fanbase is still top of mind. 

“I feel the love,” he said in a direct address to Saints fans. “Not being there anymore, it was bittersweet. But I love that you guys are still cheering for me. It means a lot.”

Shaheed’s Seahawks will take on the New England Patriots on Sunday, February 8 for a chance at a championship in Super Bowl LX. Not only will he have the city of Seattle behind him as he takes the field in California’s Bay Area, but much of the Gulf Coast and surely all of New Orleans will be in his corner, as well.