Rashid Shaheed Set For Breakout Season With Saints

The speedy receiver has quickly developed into more than just a downfield threat.

If you really stop to think about it, the New Orleans Saints wide receiver corps is a far venture from what it once was. And what it once was is not in the far-too-distant past. Just two years ago the Saints fielded a starting wideout group of Tre’Quan Smith, Marquez Callaway and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. While those three wideouts has be their own upside, they are not the same as the team’s 2023 “Big Three” or Michael Thomas, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.

Jan 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) tackles New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) after his catch during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

If New Orleans is able to keep its firepower on the field, a big jump for Shaheed in particular could be in the way. With each having their own strengths and focuses, the second-year undrafted free agent has a unique skills set that could pop once his role expands in 2023.

Shaheed came in to the NFL as a noted return man. His seven career kick return touchdowns are tied for the FCS record (with teammate Malik Flowers) but once he hit the field in New Orleans, it was clear that his impact would be greater. Done could say that Shaheed had his own breakout season last year. From practice squad member to amassing 545 total yards and three total touchdowns.

Jan 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

He electrified the NFL world with his first two touches resulting in 44- and 57-yard scores. The first being a carry on a jet sweep, the next being a downfield bomb tossed by quarterback Andy Dalton.

Shaheed found what can only be described as immediate success in the NFL. In 2022, he appeared in just 12 games and put up the impressive numbers listed above. He also added team-leading marks among qualifying wideouts with 6.2 yards after catch per reception and reeled in an unprecedented 82.4% catch rate with 28 catches on 32 targets.

2023 could be even more exciting. The Weber State alum will continue his development and trajectory with fellow second-year receiver Olave, but now will have the benefit of lining up beside or opposite Thomas.

Dec 24, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) runs with the ball after a catch during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

If Thomas returns to being the dominant force he has proven to be, it could open the game up even further for his cohorts. The speedy Shaheed has all the tools he needs to be able to take advantage of that.

Observing the young wideout in OTAs this offseason, it is clear the threat of his deep speed is his best weapon, even when not used. Defensive backs have no choice but to buy his vertical release. If they do not, he can run right past them. But what Shaheed already has in speed, he has begun to add in savvy.

Now, once a defender commits to his vertical push and flips his hips, Shaheed’s route breaks become their most effective. Not only is he leaving defenders in the dust downfield, he has also found his means of creating separation at the top of his routes without having to rely solely on his speed. That development along with the defensive attention that could be drawn to other offensive weapons puts Shaheed firmly in the mix for the Saints’ breakout player of the year.