Adding another reliable wide receiver should be at the top of the New Orleans Saints priority list this offseason, as they currently lack a dependable option outside of Chris Olave. Sports Illustrated analyst Patrick McAvoy believes that the Saints should look to reunite with former receiver Rashid Shaheed, after trading him away at the deadline.
“The Saints are in a different position than they were in when they traded Shaheed. At the time, the Saints looked like they needed a full rebuild. Things turned around in the second half of the season and now the team appears to be on the doorstep of contending in the NFC South. If the Saints were to bring Shaheed back, that would only help the team further.”
New Orleans chose to embrace a rebuild approach at the trade deadline, following a disastrous 1-8 start to the season. They dealt Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for 2026 fourth and fifth round picks. The move bolstered Seattle’s receiving corps and special teams, helping fuel their eventual Super Bowl victory. If Shaheed resigns, the Saints would have essentially rented him out for the second half of the season, while also securing two draft picks in return.
Tyler Shough has made the Saints a much different team than Rashid Shaheed was a part of
The Saints are in a much different position than they were in midseason. They closed the year out on a strong note, winning five out of their final nine games after quarterback Tyler Shough took over under center. The late season surge accelerated their rebuild and put them slightly ahead of schedule. Now they shift their focus toward competing and building a winning culture moving forward.
“The 27-year-old is dynamic and will be a free agent this offseason. When he becomes available, it wouldn't hurt for the Saints to give him a call and see if he'd be willing to return. It's known what he can do in the return game. He overlapped with Tyler Shough as the starter for just one game and led the team with five catches for 68 yards.”
A Shaheed reunion could be a solid signing for the Saints. Shaheed caught the majority of his passes from Spencer Rattler, only playing in one game with Shough as the starter. With improved quarterback play and a more consistent offense, he would give Shough a reliable option outside of Olave. Shaheed would also provide the team with a deep threat no one on the roster could match. As a cost effective signing, he would provide the Saints with an immediate upgrade at receiver.