The exclusive rights free agent stays in town, as the New Orleans Saints re-signed their 25-year-old Wide Receiver Rashid Shaheed to a one-year deal. They reached an agreement with a $5.2 million contract extension, as this is well deserved for the All-Pro and Pro Bowl return man out of Weber State.
The former undrafted rookie in 2022 made the team and was their impactful deep threat next to their other star pass catcher Chris Olave. With another year under his belt, Shaheed will likely be more than just a part-time player for the team if he can stay fully healthy.
New Orleans Saints Re-Sign Rashid Shaheed to One-Year Deal
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Saints will bring back their electric return man and third-year receiver for 2024. Shaheed finished 2023 with 46 catches for 719 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games played last season. In 2022 as an undrafted free-agent rookie, he played 12 games and had 28 catches for 488 yards with three total touchdowns.
The versatile weapon had a rushing touchdown in his first year as a pro and had a punt return touchdown last year. With an expanded role for this upcoming season, the dynamic playmaker could be even more productive in year three. New Orleans is looking for more weapons, as they still have Alvin Kamara out of the backfield and tight ends, including Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill.
In free agency, the Saints signed Cedric Wilson and Equanimeous St. Brown to potentially rotate in as their fourth and fifth options at wide receiver. Pittsburgh’s Bub Means was also added to the team as a fifth-rounder from the 2024 NFL Draft for New Orleans. A few veteran free agents at wide receiver could also be a target for the New Orleans Saints with training camp coming up.
Shaheed Could Be Involved Even More for the NFC South Contender
At times for the New Orleans Saints, Quarterback Derek Carr and Shaheed connected deep downfield more than the former first-round pick from 2022. Now in his third season with the team, Shaheed should be their starting slot option with Olave as the number one outside receiver and A.T. Perry on the other side.
Due to his size at 6’0″ and 180 pounds, he rotated as a ball carrier on designed jet sweeps and was utilized more as a deep slot weapon that knifed through secondaries. With the new kick-off rules, Shaheed should be their featured returner once again and should benefit even more from the additional new regulations.
As long as he can retain his previous role and be used for special teams, his impact on the offense should be felt even on limited opportunities. A slight increase in starting reps should be expected, but he will have to be better against tighter coverages now the league and defenses know of his deep speed.
