Getty

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 25: Rashid Shaheed #22 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won 31-27. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos are predicted to make a bold move this offseason by targeting explosive Super Bowl free agent wide receiver Rashid Shaheed as they look to upgrade the offense around quarterback Bo Nix.

As Yahoo Sports noted, Insider Seth Trachtman recently identified Shaheed as a logical fit for Denver, citing the Broncos’ need for more offensive explosiveness.

While Shaheed and head coach Sean Payton did not overlap in New Orleans, Trachtman noted that Payton would be well aware of Shaheed’s skill set and impact. 

“Shaheed’s skillset would be a perfect fit for a Broncos squad that needs more explosive weapons,” Trachtman wrote. 

He pointed to Denver’s need for speed and big-play ability alongside Courtland Sutton.

With Denver projected to have between $27 million and $36 million in cap space, the Broncos are positioned to make a competitive offer, even as they face potential bidding pressure from teams like Seattle.

Rashid Shaheed Adds Explosiveness on Offense and Special Teams

Shaheed’s appeal goes far beyond traditional receiving production. 

He is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier return specialists and has consistently changed games with his explosiveness. 

During the 2025 season, Shaheed split time between the Saints and Seahawks and totaled 1,894 all-purpose yards, while scoring multiple return touchdowns. 

Shaheed earned 2025 NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after returning a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in Week 14. 

He also had a huge punt return that ignited the Seahawks Week 16 comeback against the Rams in a game that determined the NFC’s No. 1 seed. 

He followed that up with a massive postseason moment. 

Shaheed opened the Divisional Round with a 97-yard kickoff return touchdown against the 49ers, becoming just the fourth player in NFL history to start a playoff game with a return score.

He is a two-time Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro punt returner, and he led the league in punt return average following his midseason trade to Seattle. 

He also had 738 receiving yards so far this season, including six catches of over 25 yards.

His ability to stretch the field, create yards after the catch, and flip field position would instantly add a new layer of explosiveness to Denver’s offense and special teams.

Wide Receiver Remains Broncos’ Biggest Offensive Need

Despite a deep roster, wide receiver remains Denver’s most pressing offensive need. 

Courtland Sutton continues to serve as the veteran leader, but the Broncos lack a consistent explosive threat behind him.

That deficiency was exposed late in the season, particularly in the AFC Championship Game.

Sean Payton has been vocal about the issue, openly criticizing dropped passes after the season. 

“We dropped some passes. Again, I felt like that was a problem all year,” Payton said. 

He noted that Denver finished the regular season with the second-most dropped passes in the NFL. 

While the Broncos have explored trade options and will continue to evaluate the draft, Shaheed offers a proven, immediate solution. 

Pairing his speed and versatility with Bo Nix could help Denver take a major offseason leap next season.

More Heavy on Broncos

Loading more stories