The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a crucial week for the future of the organization.
With the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders are expected to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Las Vegas needs to do all they can to set up a rookie quarterback for success, if the team does in fact decide to go that route in April.
The Raiders have significant needs in a few areas on offense. The offensive line needs help. Tight end Brock Bowers is a star, but Las Vegas needs wide receiver help.
One wide receiver is set to enter free agency who has experience working with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak.
Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Raiders are expected to try and land Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed this week.
“I’m expecting the Raiders to make a run at RashidShaheed depending on how the dominoes in the receiver market fall and the price point,” Fowler wrote. “New coach Klint Kubiak loves him. But Vegas’ bigger need is the offensive line.”
Shaheed finished the season with 59 receptions for 687 yards and two touchdowns during his time with the New Orleans Saints and Seahawks (he was traded to Seattle). The former Weber State receiver caught two passes for 27 yards in Seattle’s 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Shaheed was excellent as a return man, returning a punt and kickoff for a touchdown in 2025. He returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in the Seahawks’ 41-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round.
The Raiders need offensive line help, but Shaheed’s versatility would an argument in the receiver’s favor. Las Vegas would get a receiver and a return threat.
Optimized field position and solid receiving hands would be beneficial for a young quarterback like Mendoza.
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