The New Orleans Saints might not be strong contenders for the Super Bowl this upcoming season, but they have a solid chance of making the playoffs.
They boast a skilled quarterback in veteran Derek Carr, a four-time Pro Bowler, a dependable dual-threat running back in Alvin Kamara, and an emerging star at wide receiver in Chris Olave. Additionally, they signed defensive end Chase Young, a former Pro Bowler and the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year, during free agency.
One player who might be overlooked on the Saints’ roster is wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports highlighted Shaheed’s talent by naming him one of the most underappreciated and undervalued players in the NFL.
“Shaheed should be well known around the league for his big-play ability,” wrote Kerr. “He ranks third in the NFL in yards per reception (16.3) over the last two seasons and leads the league in yards per target (11.1) during that period.
“An All-Pro in 2023, Shaheed tied for the NFL lead in punt-return touchdowns (1) and ranked 10th in all-purpose yards (1,479). He was also third in kick and punt return yards (723) and third in punt-return average (13.6).
“The Saints have a big-play threat in Shaheed, who can score a touchdown anytime he touches the ball. He only makes $985,000 this season too.”
Rashid Shaheed is a versatile playmaker. His 2023 receiving stats (46 catches, 719 yards, and five touchdowns) may not stand out, but his efficiency, as Kerr highlighted, is impressive. His versatility as both a wide receiver and kick/punt returner adds to his overall value.
He leverages his speed (reportedly running the 40-yard dash in just 4.3 seconds) to gain separation from defenders and make deep receptions.
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In 2023, Shaheed was one of only eight players to score a touchdown on a punt return, and the recent changes to the league’s kickoff rules should aid him in building on his 384 kick return yards from last season.
At 25 years old and entering his third NFL season, Shaheed has ample room for growth. He accumulated over 200 more receiving yards in 2023 than in his rookie year in 2022 and saw his targets increase significantly, with 75 passes thrown his way in 2023 compared to just 34 in 2022.
While the Saints’ roster may not be overwhelming, they have a genuine chance of topping the NFC South and securing a playoff spot for the first time since 2020, Drew Brees’ final season.
