Rashid Shaheed Tabbed as Potential Fantasy Breakout Player

Read why a national site sees Saints WR Rashid Shaheed as a fantasy sleeper and whether they could be correct.

Rashid Shaheed was the biggest surprise for the New Orleans Saints in 2022. An undrafted rookie from Weber State, Shaheed was viewed as an explosive player. He was a four-time FCS All-American and set an NCAA record with 7 kick returns for touchdowns. Over his four years at Weber State, Shaheed had 5,478 all-purpose yards that included 147 receptions for 2,178 yards.

Despite a strong training camp, Shaheed was released and re-signed to the practice squad. He'd be elevated to the active roster in Week 6 because of his return skills after a season-ending injury to Deonte Harty. Injuries to wideouts Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry, along with the failures of Tre'Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway, would force the rookie into a more prominent role. 

On his first offensive touch as a pro against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6, Shaheed took an end around 44 yards for a touchdown. Shaheed's second offensive touch resulted in a 53-yard touchdown reception the following week at Arizona. 

In spite of his torrid start, Shaheed was used sparingly on offense over the first five games of his career. However, his rapid development as a route runner earned him far more playing time over the year's last seven contests. Shaheed finished his rookie campaign with 28 receptions for 488 yards and three total touchdowns in just 12 games. He also averaged 9.7 yards as a punt returner and 22.9 returning kickoffs. 

New Orleans Saints receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) catches a touchdown pass against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson (20). Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In a June article for Pro Football Focus, writer Austin Scott identified Shaheed as one of the top potential breakout players for fantasy football in 2023.

Here's what Scott had to say about Shaheed's fantasy value. 

• Speed kills: Jaylen Waddle and Marquise Brown headline the list as they should be in line to build off of strong seasons, while 2022 undrafted rookie Rashid Shaheed has a case for the most underrated sleeper in fantasy.

Seemingly out of nowhere, Shaheed was one of the most notable stories of 2022 after bursting onto the scene with a 44-yard touchdown run in Week 6 and a 53-yard touchdown catch in Week 7. Over the rest of the season, Shaheed saw his opportunities rise and sustained his efficiency, parlaying 34 targets into 28 catches, 17.4 yards per reception and 2.59 yards per route run. With Derek Carr now in the fold, a general increase in production for the Saints' passing game seems likely despite question marks around Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara. With the expected trend of the offense and Shaheed’s explosiveness, a dramatic bump in targets seems to be on the horizon as the Saints search for playmakers. 

Temper Expectations?

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) catches a pass against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

There's no doubt that Shaheed will be an even bigger part of the Saints attack. However, Derek Carr will also have plenty of weapons to target. The team is finally expected to get a healthy Michael Thomas, who was targeted 22 times in the first three games last year before going down with injury. 

Chris Olave, a 2022 first-round choice, is coming off 72 catches for 1,042 yards on 119 targets, all team highs. While grossly underused as a receiver, RB Alvin Kamara still caught 57 balls on 77 targets. Juwan Johnson had a breakout season of his own, pulling in 42 receptions for 508 yards on 65 targets. 

The Saints also added TE Foster Moreau in free agency, who played with Carr for the Raiders. Versatile weapon Taysom Hill is also expected to have a bigger role as a receiver. Veteran wideouts Bryan Edwards, James Washington, Keke Coutee, and Lynn Bowden were also signed for increased depth. 

Running backs Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller were also added to the backfield. They are underrated receivers, but also highlights the team’s desire to focus on a balanced attack over a pass-heavy approach. Head coach Dennis Allen prefers to win with his defense, decreasing the likelihood that the Saints rely heavily on the pass.

Or Sky's the Limit?

New Orleans Saints receiver Rashid Shaheed (89) catches a pass over Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant (27). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

Thomas showed that he can still be a dominant receiver, at least in a small sample size last year. However, he's also missed 40 of the last 50 games, including the last 14 of 2022, and must prove he can stay healthy. Kamara's status is unknown because of a legal hearing in Las Vegas on July 31. He'll likely be suspended, but the length is yet to be determined. 

Moreau also has health concerns, after a routine physical in the spring revealed a treatable form of Hodgkins lymphoma. He's been given a clean bill of health, but it's a situation that bears watching. Edwards, Washington, Coutee, and Bowden are career journeymen, while A.T. Perry is an unproven sixth-round rookie. 

Despite the presence of Olave, Kamara, and Johnson, it was Shaheed who led the Saints in receiving over the last six games of 2022. In that six-game span, he had 22 receptions for 377 yards on 26 targets. He had more catches and yards than any other New Orleans player and was second only to Olave (36) in targets. 

More than just a lightning fast deep threat, Shaheed showed that he's also a precise route runner. He pulled in an impressive 82.4% of his targets, which was second on the team to Mark Ingram's 88.9%. Ingram was targeted only 18 times, with most being high-percentage throws out of the backfield. 

Derek Carr gives the Saints a much more capable thrower than what they had with Andy Dalton last season. His ability to throw deep will open up the field greatly for both Olave and Shaheed. Both second-year wideouts should also be even better route runners in Year 2.

Rashid Shaheed may not have an eye-popping statistical output because of so much other talent. However, expect the formerly unheralded rookie to be a fantasy sleeper and an explosive part of a much better New Orleans offense.