ESPN names Seahawks’ X-Factor after Super Bowl run breakout

In roughly nine weeks, the NFL’s defending Super Bowl champions will hang their banner. The Seattle Seahawks will begin their title defense against the New England Patriots and attempt to become repeat champions. Their offseason featured a number of changes as they prepare for the 2026 season.

Not only did Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III depart in free agency, but offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak also accepted the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coaching job. The Seahawks responded by drafting a running back and hiring Brian Fleury as their new offensive coordinator.

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Despite all those changes, ESPN identified the Seahawks’ X-factor for the 2026 season. More specifically, they identified who it will be: 2025 trade deadline acquisition Rashid Shaheed. According to ESPN’s breakdown, Shaheed will be the player who could make the biggest impact.

“WR Rashid Shaheed. While Shaheed delivered a kick return touchdown in the playoffs, his receiving production after he was traded to Seattle was lower than expected. Shaheed recorded 1.8 yards per route run with the Saints in the first half of 2025 but only 1.1 with Seattle, postseason included. With a full offseason as a Seahawk, perhaps he can emerge as a productive No. 2 option behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba,” ESPN reported.

Biggest trade deadline win

Shaheed was traded midway through the season, and at the time, the move did not appear to be a major difference-maker. However, he quickly became one of the most impactful trade deadline acquisitions in recent memory.

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Shaheed brought game-breaking speed that forced defenses to account for him on every snap. That ability proved vital as the Seahawks’ offense erupted during a dominant playoff run.

During that same playoff run, Shaheed returned the opening kickoff of the divisional round 95 yards for a touchdown as the Seahawks dismantled their division rival San Francisco 49ers. They then battled the Los Angeles Rams in an all-time classic shootout before advancing to the Super Bowl.

Shaheed made several key plays down the stretch despite having limited time to learn the offense. With a full offseason in Seattle, the Seahawks could find even more ways to utilize Shaheed and maximize his impact in 2026.