Who Should I Start? Rashid Shaheed or Bucky Irving

Thursday, February 19, 5:38 AM

Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent wide receiver/return man Rashid Shaheed told NFL Network's Judy Battista and Bridget Condon on Wednesday that he "would love" to return to the Seahawks. Seattle acquired Shaheed at last year's trade deadline, and the 27-year-old was an underrated piece of the Seahawks' Super Bowl-champion squad. He provided an additional deep threat for quarterback Sam Darnold while also returning three kicks for scores on special teams, including one in the Divisional Round blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers. He was more of a threat for fantasy managers with the New Orleans Saints before the trade, though, as he caught only 15 of 26 targets for 188 yards and no touchdowns in nine regular-season games in Seattle. Shaheed was averaging career bests in catches per game (4.9) and receiving yards per game (55.4) before the trade. Wherever he lands in free agency this offseason, Shaheed will most likely be a boom/bust WR4/flex for fantasy.

Monday, February 16, 2:21 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) had offseason surgery on his shoulder, according to JoeBucsFan.com. Irving missed seven straight games last year from Weeks 5 through 12 with ankle and shoulder injuries. His ankle healed before his shoulder. The good news is that Irving's recovery and rehab are not expected to significantly impact his offseason preparation. Irving had 1,122 rushing yards and 5.4 yards per carry as a rookie in 2024, but his production dropped in Year 2 due to his injuries, as he finished with 588 rushing yards (3.4 yards per carry). The 23-year-old could have a bigger role in Tampa's backfield next season with Rachaad White not expected to return in free agency, although the Bucs will probably prioritize adding RB depth after Irving's injury issues in 2025. Irving will have bounce-back potential for fantasy managers this year, but he'll also carry injury risk as an RB2 target.