AFC West team looms as sleeper to steal Rashid Shaheed from Seahawks

Justin Herbert has all the arm power, skill sets, and talent to be a top-five quarterback in the NFL. Instead, he's a late top-ten, or at worst, a top-15. What's wrong? Playoff failures, for one, but another is that Herbert has played his entire six-year career without a player like the Seattle Seahawks' Rashid Shaheed. 

Now, Shaheed isn't a No. 1 receiver, so it may sound confusing as to why Herbert could really benefit from him as a No. 2 or No. 3 threat, in addition to being used on special teams, which has become Shaheed's specialty of late. Herbert's best pass-catcher during his Chargers tenure has been Keenan Allen, but he's no longer a viable No. 1 option and is also a free agent, not expected back in LA.

Shaheed played a significant role in propelling the Seahawks to their Super Bowl win after they traded for the former New Orleans Saints wideout mid-season, and there's no doubt they would love to re-sign him. However, it's not looking so good, meaning Shaheed could walk, and the Chargers could be a sleeper contender for his services. 

Rashid Shaheed could leave a good QB situation with the Seattle Seahawks for a better one with the Chargers

Yes, Sam Darnold is the reigning Super Bowl champion quarterback, and letting a solid offensive threat like Shaheed walk just as Darnold is about to hopefully get a lot better with the Seahawks could be painful. Herbert hasn't won a thing; that said, in terms of talent and skill, he's the better quarterback. 

Obviously, the hope for Seahawks fans is that a new deal can be worked out with Shaheed, but if not, the Chargers could be an impactful landing spot for him. The Chargers also need to upgrade their receiving group. Both Ladd McConkey and Quintin Johnson are good receivers, the former being slightly better than the latter. 

Still, Shaheed possesses something they do not: top-tier speed and agility. Herbert could significantly benefit from what Shaheed's greatest skill set sets him apart, even if he's not a No. 1 target. Not only would Shaheed benefit Herbert, but also McDaniel, whose offensive brain is at the top of the charts among his coaching peers in the league.

What Shaheed could do for Herbert could swiftly change their offense, especially since Shaheed seemed to fit in seamlessly under Klint Kubiak's offense (and Seattle’s special teams), and Kubiak came from the Kyle Shanahan tree. Which tree does McDaniel come from? Shanahan's, of course.

The Seahawks could lose a powerful weapon next week, but the Chargers, who are still sleepers in this race, mind you, could win a powerful weapon. Either way, Shaheed's stock is up there, so no matter where he signs, he'll be well paid and valued.