The New Orleans Saints offense improved from last season. They ranked 22nd in points, 19th in total yards, and 16th in passing in 2022 and ranked 9th in points, 14th in total yards, and 11th in passing in 2023.
One of their promising offensive weapons would have been an exclusive rights-free agent, but New Orleans tendered him.
The New Orleans Saints tendered their young wide receiver.
New Orleans tendered Rashid Shaheed.
Shaheed was an exclusive rights free agent, meaning he played less than three years of accrued experience in the NFL. The team can tender him, but that is the only option, and he cannot negotiate with another team unless he gets released.
Also, if the team offers him a one-year deal, the player can accept the offer or sit out for the season.
In short, Shaheed will be back in New Orleans next season on a one-year, $985,000 deal.
Rashid Shaheed spent his first two seasons in New Orleans.
Shaheed went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, and New Orleans signed him as an undrafted free agent. New Orleans released Shaheed during the final round of roster cuts and signed him to their practice squad. He signed to their active roster on October 16.
Shaheed appeared in 12 games and started six in 2022, recording 28 receptions on 34 targets for 488 yards (2 TDS), four carries for 57 yards (1 TD), 14 kick returns for 320 yards, and 20 punt returns for 193 yards.
Shaheed appeared in 15 games and started eight in 2023, recording 46 receptions on 75 targets for 719 yards (5 TDS), seven carries for 37 yards, 18 kick returns for 384 yards, and 25 punt returns for 339 yards (1 TD). Shaheed earned his first Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors as a return specialist.
Which three wide receivers are expected to start next season?
Depending on what New Orleans will do in free agency or the draft, their starting three receivers are expected to be Chris Olave, A.T. Perry, and Rashid Shaheed, as Michael Thomas was recently released.