Saints can accelerate Tyler Shough's development with underrated free agent wide receiver

Should the Saints sign Keenan Allen in free agency?
Nov 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) makes a catch against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) makes a catch against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints are in the market for a wide receiver this offseason. One way they can address this is by signing someone in free agency. NFL reporter Greg Auman paired them with veteran receiver Keenan Allen in a recent article detailing potential fits for free agents. This would be a fantastic addition for the Saints and give Tyler Shough a reliable target to pair with Chris Olave.

“He's easing into WR3 mode, but has a résumé with 1,000-plus catches and 70 career touchdowns, so he's a good fit for a team looking for a veteran mentor to pair with a young receiver,” Auman wrote, “That could mean staying with the Chargers, but he'd be a nice value match for the Saints, who could use another playmaker and have Kellen Moore, who had him in 2023.”

The six-time pro bowler has had an illustrious career and would be an invaluable weapon in the Saints offense. He’s an amazing complement to Olave and would elevate their offense. The Saints would still likely address receiver later in the offseason, but Allen would be a fantastic start.

Keenan Allen’s reliability would be key in Tyler Shough’s development

Shough’s lack of weapons outside of Olave was evident late in the season. It’s critical the Saints don’t make this mistake again and surround him with playmakers. Adding Allen, who has been a reliable threat his entire career, would be a perfect start.

It’s always wise to pair a young quarterback with a veteran receiver. For example, look at Stefon Diggs on the New England Patriots or Houston Texans. Having someone who understands how to get open, especially while a passer is under pressure, is vital to their development. Olave could be a downfield threat, while Allen would be the target in shorter yardage situations.

Overall, former Los Angeles Chargers receiver Keenan Allen would be a perfect fit in the Saints offense. His reliability and cohesiveness with Tyler Shough and Chris Olave makes him an ideal free agent target this offseason.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations