After showing promise with the Jaguars, Laviska Shenault could not establish much momentum with the Panthers upon being traded. But the former second-round pick has secured another opportunity.
The Seahawks are signing Shenault, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo tweets. Twice a 600-plus-yard receiver, Shenault combined for less than 400 during his two Carolina slates; the second of those seasons featured nine missed games due to injury. The big-bodied target, who has been used in the backfield at points, will attempt to catch on in a crowded Seahawks receiving corps.
Chosen 42nd overall during Dave Caldwell‘s final Jaguars GM year, Shenault mixed in regularly with the Doug Marrone– and Urban Meyer-led Jacksonville teams. He caught 58 passes for 600 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie and added 63 grabs for 619 yards in 2021. Of course, these showings came for Jags teams that each finished with the NFL’s worst record. As Doug Pederson arrived, the Jags traded Shenault to the Panthers for sixth- and seventh-round picks.
Shenault, 25, has played for an astonishing seven head coaches in four seasons. Both the Jags and Panthers made HCs (Meyer, Matt Rhule, Frank Reich) one-and-dones as Shenault played out his rookie contract. Both teams attempted to use the 220-pound performer as a gadget-type weapon in the run game. Despite his wide receiver status, the Colorado alum has 50 career carries for 252 yards and a touchdown. The former high-end prospect has some experience as a kick returner, totaling nine returns with Carolina from 2022-23. That skill is soon set to become relevant again, with the NFL approving the XFL-style kickoff on a trial basis.
The Seahawks may well view the inconsistent target as a player in need of some stability, given the historically unusual run of HC turnover that occurred on the teams that employed him. The team has its top three — Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba — locked in, barring a trade. The Seahawks also still employ 2021 second-rounder Dee Eskridge, though he has not produced much as a pro. UDFA Jake Bobo delivered some interesting work as a rookie last season, and 2022 seventh-round pick Dareke Young remains on the roster.
Shenault produced a 1,000-yard season in just nine games with the Buffaloes in 2018, elevating his draft stock. A groin injury limited him as a junior in 2019, when he accumulated just 764 yards. After delivering more inconsistency as a pro, Shenault will still have a chance to showcase his skills elsewhere.
Surprised Chargers didn’t take a chance. Wr room needs all the help they can get.
That makes alot of sense.
He was my favorite receiver out of that draft.
….Woof. He isn’t much more than a slot guy.
But that doesn’t mean he still cant find production in the right offense. The Chargers have a need, and it was worth a shot on the cheap. I doubt he got much guaranteed.
Same. I also thought Ravens or Jets would take a stab at him
He was too expensive for Robert Kraft.
Damn lol
The Seahawks have made a few off season moves that are head scratchers. Really not sure what the plan is there. It seems obvious the franchise won’t resemble anything similar to what existed during the Pete Carroll era.