Insider Breaks Down Why Sam Darnold and Rashid Shaheed’s Chemistry Could Be Special
The Sam Darnold to Jaxon Smith-Njigba connection has been special this year, as JSN leads the NFL in receiving yards and Darnold ranks among the top QBs in virtually every offensive metric. It's been a perfect pairing, and the Seattle Seahawks might've just added another perfect player to Darnold's arsenal.
Rashid Shaheed was one of the bigger (though not the biggest, thanks to the Jets' firesale) acquisitions at the NFL trade deadline. His arrival in Seattle might help transform Seattle's offense, and it should work exceptionally well with Darnold. One insider broke down why.
Why Sam Darnold and Rashid Shaheed could be elite
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Since 2022, there are only two players in the entire NFL who have more 40-yard touchdowns than Rashid Shaheed, and they are Tyreek Hill and Ja'Marr Chase, two of the best wide receivers in this generation. Other than them, Shaheed is unmatched down the field.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is cooking with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, so Seattle's front office opted to add more fuel to that duo's collective fire. The Seahawks traded for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed to give Kubiak, who was the Saints' OC in 2024, one of his favorite weapons back," CBS insider Garrett Podell wrote.
That would help any offense, but the Seahawks can especially benefit from having a legitimate burner on the field. "That verticality will pair well with Darnold, whose 9.6 yards per pass attempt this season lead the entire NFL," Podell concluded.
Darnold likes to throw it deep. Shaheed likes to go deep. Kubiak knows how to work with both Shaheed and Darnold. It could quite literally be the dream pairing, and it could elevate one of the better offenses in the NFL to new heights.
This will also pay dividends for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Seahawks WR faces extra coverage a ton, but if safeties have to be worried about Shaheed over the top, JSN might get open even more often. He's already on a historic pace, and now he has the best burner in the NFL opposite him. For Darnold, JSN, and the Seahawks, Shaheed is shaping up to be a dream acquisition.
Cam Heyward’s Contract Drama Comes to an End as He Returns to Steelers Practice
The Pittsburgh Steelers' fan base was pretty shocked to find out that Cam Heyward has been negotiating with the team since February. Heyward revealed that he wasn’t happy playing in 2025 with the pay he was set to make, as he felt it didn’t reflect his value. While contract negotiations are a normal part of the NFL, the timing caught many fans off guard, particularly because it seemed like Heyward just got a new deal before the 2024 season. The uncertainty surrounding one of the team’s defensive leaders became an immediate source of concern for fans eager to see the Steelers start the season strong.
The situation escalated when Heyward was exposed for wanting more money in the 2025 season. Questions about his commitment and timing dominated discussions, taking attention away from other offseason moves and preparations. Fans were frustrated that one of the team’s cornerstone veterans appeared to make his negotiations a public storyline rather than quietly resolving things during the offseason. The tension created a sense of unease in Steeler Nation as training camp went on, with many wondering if the distraction would carry over into the 2025 season.
Well, on Tuesday it appeared that Heyward may have finally ended his hold-in. Steelers insider Brooke Pryor shared a post on social media showing Heyward as a full participant in team practices. His presence on the field signaled that he was ready to focus on football and help lead the defense into the new season.
For the Steelers, getting Heyward back fully engaged is critical, not just for his impact on the defensive line, but also for stabilizing the locker room and setting a tone for the rest of the team. Fans can finally breathe a little easier, knowing that one of their most respected leaders is back in action and committed to the season ahead.
Heyward turned back the clock in the 2024 NFL season. When he sat down at the negotiating table with General Manager Omar Khan, Art Rooney II, and Mike Tomlin, he revealed that he told them he wanted to focus on becoming an All-Pro in 2024 before coming back to talk contract.
That’s exactly what happened, and it explains why Heyward is now pushing for more money for the 2025 season. His performance this past year gave him the leverage he felt he deserved.
Steelers' Cam Heyward Might Have Just Ended His Hold-In
It seems Heyward’s goal was to have some of the money that was originally scheduled for the 2026 season moved forward so he could receive it in 2025. While the specifics of the deal are still unclear, it’s evident that he was trying to maximize his value after a standout season. Fans and analysts are still waiting to see if the negotiation process has fully concluded or if there will be additional adjustments down the line.
However, there is positive news for the Steelers. When Tomlin spoke to the media on Tuesday, he confirmed that Heyward was back on the field participating fully in team drills. His presence in practices is a strong sign that the defensive leader is focused and ready to contribute, signaling stability for the team as they head into the 2025 season.
