In the wake of Seattle sending two mid-round picks to the Saints for Rashid Shaheed, many are saying the Seahawks are in “win now” mode or that they are “going for it” — as if they weren’t already doing that.

Some also are wondering why the Seahawks would give up fourth- and fifth-round picks for a guy whose contract runs out after this season.

Let’s put some perspective on it.

Yes, they are in “win now” mode, but “now” goes through at least 2026 — whether or not they keep Rasheed, Ken Walker, Riq Woolen and/or Boye Mafe.

For now, they have all of those guys as they try to push for a Super Bowl win in Mike Macdonald’s second season. They reportedly got calls on both Woolen and Mafe, but no one offered anything worth taking.

So the Hawks remain deep at corner and edge — and are now deeper and more talented at wide receiver, too.

Shaheed, who played in Klint Kubiak’s offense last season, figures to give Darnold another great weapon on the outside and also give Jay Harbaugh a stellar return man (he was an All-Pro punt returner in 2023). Shaheed ought to open up even more for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and defenses might start playing the pass more and unloading the box, allowing the Hawks to run the ball more effectively. They did not add a needed guard, but maybe Shaheed’s presence will help in a roundabout way.

As for the cost to get the Saints’ speedster, there are a couple reasons not to be concerned that the Hawks have just four picks next year (rounds 1, 2, 3, 6) right now.

The 2026 draft is not considered very strong, according to Seahawks Draft Blog’s Rob Staton. Perhaps that played into John Schneider’s decision to add a young impact player he hopes to keep after the season.

If Schneider can re-sign Shaheed, as he did Leonard Williams after trading for him two years ago, the Hawks would be set for a few years with JSN, Shaheed and Tory Horton. Cooper Kupp is signed through 2027 but not expected to play out his deal. In fact, he has a $9 million guarantee five days after the Super Bowl — so he might be gone by then.

Even if Schneider cannot keep Shaheed, Seattle probably would recoup at least one of the picks it gave up, albeit in 2027. That is because the Hawks are not expected to retain Woolen, Walker and Mafe — who all might get first- or second-tier deals from other teams next season. Shaheed should as well, if he does not re-sign with Seattle.

If three or four of those guys get paid elsewhere, Seattle likely would recoup at least one of the picks they just spent on Shaheed (via comp picks a year later).

So really, however you look at it, Schneider made a good, calculated move adding Shaheed.