On Tuesday, the Seattle Seahawks bolstered their pass-catching and kick return capabilities by adding wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr.
to their roster. Despite being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the 25-year-old Shenault has faced challenges in making a significant impact in the NFL. He showed promise during his initial seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, amassing 121 receptions for 1,219 yards and five touchdowns, all achieved during his rookie year.
Following his trade to the Carolina Panthers in 2022, Laviska Shenault Jr. struggled to replicate his earlier success, which was notably achieved within a struggling Panthers team. Over the past two seasons, he only managed 37 receptions for 332 yards and one touchdown.
Moreover, he was limited to just eight appearances for the team last year, experiencing a significant decrease in offensive snaps from 585 and 697 in his Jacksonville years to only 206 in 2022 and 92 in 2023 with the Panthers. Although Carolina utilized Shenault more in kick return duties, his opportunities in that regard were sparse, with just six returns for 167 yards last season.
Expressing optimism about his move to the Seattle Seahawks, Shenault highlighted the team’s tough playing style, which aligns with his aggressive approach to the game. With the NFL implementing rule changes aimed at promoting more kickoff returns while reducing high-speed collisions, the demand for skilled kick returners is expected to rise.
As teams adjust to these changes, Shenault, alongside Dee Eskridge, will vie for kick return roles during training camp, potentially competing for a single roster spot between them.
During his standout season at Colorado in 2018, Shenault showcased his versatility and playmaking ability, accumulating 1,126 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns. He recorded 86 receptions for 1,011 yards and six touchdowns, complemented by 115 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 17 carries.
