Barring something unforeseen, the Las Vegas Raiders are going to draft quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.
Knowing that, the Raiders’ No. 1 priority this offseason will be to set their new franchise quarterback up for success.
The process of doing that starts with beefing up both the offensive line and wide receivers room, two position groups that need some love.
The wide receivers room is in particularly rough shape. The jury is still out on 2025 draft picks Dont’e Thornton and Jack Bech, and Tre Tucker, who is really a No. 3 receiver, is the most notable veteran under contract for 2026.
That means the Raiders need at least two wide receiver additions, and ideally those additions are veterans who can offer reliable targets for Mendoza and take some pressure off superstar tight end Brock Bowers.
That’s why Sportsnaut’s Matt Johnson is predicting the Raiders will sign Seattle Seahawks pending free agent and wideout Rashid Shaheed in free agency.
Here’s Johnson’s thoughts on a Seahawks-Shaheed pairing:
The Seattle Seahawks would love to re-sign Rashid Shaheed, and there’s a possibility of it happening. However, the club needs to prioritize re-signing Kenneth Walker III, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is headed for a contract extension worth 40 million plus. We think that will limit Seattle’s ability to beat the Las Vegas Raiders in a bidding war for Shaheed. This signing would be a reunion with play-caller Klint Kubiak, whom Shaheed also played for with the New Orleans Saints in 2024. Shaheed can be an All-Pro returner for Las Vegas, improving the average field position for Fernando Mendoza while also providing the rookie quarterback with a reliable deep threat who gels in Kubiak’s scheme.
Of course, Shaheed has the connection with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, who was the explosive wideout’s play-caller after he was acquired by Seattle via trade before the deadline.
While Shaheed wouldn’t check the box of the No. 1 wide receiver the Raiders need, he would be a solid option to serve as the No. 2 or 3.
Shaheed is one of the most electric playmakers in the NFL thanks to his ability to make house calls from anywhere on the field. Not only would he provide a boost for Las Vegas’ offense, he’s also an elite returner.
Spotrac projects a three-year, $42.3 million contract for Shaheed. The Raiders would have no issue paying that with a projected $91.5 million in cap space.
If the Raiders can come away with Shaheed and an established No. 1 target this offseason, it will have been a successful one for the team’s wide receivers room.
