Chargers Predicted to Land Super Bowl LX Champion

NFL writer names Los Angeles Chargers as potential suitor for wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed in 2026 free agency

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Chargers have around $80 million in cap space heading into the 2026 NFL free agency period, and Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano has named them as a potential landing spot for Super Bowl LX champion Rashid Shaheed. Shaheed, a wide receiver and return specialist, had a standout 2025 season with the Seattle Seahawks, earning a Pro Bowl nod. The Chargers were in the bottom half of the league in both kick and punt return yards last season, and Shaheed's elite speed and return abilities could be a valuable addition to their roster.

Why it matters

The Chargers are looking to bolster their roster and improve in areas like special teams, where they struggled last season. Signing Shaheed, a proven playmaker, could give them a significant boost in the return game and provide another weapon for quarterback Justin Herbert.

The details

Shaheed had 59 catches for 687 yards and two touchdowns for the Seahawks in 2025, and he also excelled in the return game, with 447 kick return yards and a touchdown, as well as 339 punt return yards and another touchdown. SI projects Shaheed will receive a two-year, $30 million contract in free agency, and the Chargers have the cap space to potentially outbid other suitors like the Seahawks, who have around $55 million in cap space.

  • The 2026 NFL free agent legal tampering window begins in less than a week.

The players

Rashid Shaheed

A wide receiver and return specialist who won the Super Bowl LX with the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 season. He was named to the Pro Bowl after a standout year, and is expected to be one of the top free agents in 2026.

Justin Herbert

The quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, who was one of the most sacked QBs in the league last season, making the offensive line a priority for the team this offseason.

Gilberto Manzano

A writer for Sports Illustrated who named the Los Angeles Chargers as a potential landing spot for Rashid Shaheed in his 2026 free agency predictions.

Brandon Hortiz

The general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers, who expressed confidence in the team's offseason plans and the opportunity to add players.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Shaheed's elite speed could bring him plenty of millions in free agency, but he had a handful of quiet games in Seattle after being traded by New Orleans [Saints] at the deadline. Shaheed did, however, have a memorable 58-yard punt return touchdown to spark an epic comeback win vs. the [Los Angeles] Rams in Week 16. For the season, Shaheed had 59 catches for 687 yards and two touchdowns.”

— Gilberto Manzano, Writer (Sports Illustrated)

“Absolutely, absolutely, yeah… Conversations are definitely going to be heating up towards March. But you know, I would love to come back. I loved my experience here, I'm loving the Pacific Northwest, and obviously the organization is second to none. I kind of want to run it back. We just won the Super Bowl, so, you know, why not?”

— Rashid Shaheed (NFL Network)

“I feel really good going into free agency and the draft coming up. I love where we are in terms of the players certainly and what we have the opportunity to add.”

— Brandon Hortiz, General Manager (Los Angeles Chargers)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.