saintswire.usatoday.com
Rashid Shaheed was electric since the moment he erupted on the scene in New Orleans. Shaheed made his debut as an undrafted rookie on October 16, 2022. In fact, on his first career touch, he toted the rock 44 yards to the house.
That’s just the kind of player he is. With his 4.3 speed, Shaheed presents lots of value to the New Orleans Saints offense, giving them a vertical threat unlike any other that they have seen in the Big Easy. Not to mention, he also provides some magic on special teams, returning kickoffs and punts for the Saints.
In his second season in 2023, Shaheed enjoyed a very solid year where he saw more consistent utilization in the Saints’ offense. He was viewed as a boom-or-bust fantasy option in 2023, totaling over 1,000 air yards on 75 targets. He also scored 9.7 fantasy points per game (PPR), with 31 catches of more than 20 yards.
Shaheed eclipsed 15 fantasy points in 5 of his 16 games, with his highest coming in week 8 with three catches, 153 yards, and a touchdown against the Colts. This proves his big play ability; however, the Saints have not had the greatest passing game. There are also questions about his target share and consistency.
This has hindered his ability throughout the past to have a good amount of fantasy relevance and production. Not to mention, he is also clearly behind first-round receiver Chris Olave. So why might 2024 and the future be much different for Shaheed?
New System
My interest in Shaheed stems from his long-term value, as well as his potential to be a boom flex play that can be the difference between a win and a loss on a week-to-week basis. In the past, he has been plagued with target inconsistency and poor quarterback play.
I believe that Derrek Carr will be much better in his second year in New Orleans, especially with new Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak, former passing game specialist for the San Francisco 49ers. One of the criticisms of Shaheed in 2023 was that he was utilized too much as a deep threat and not enough on underneath routes. Kubiak’s system thrives on using motion and formations to create mismatches for the offense’s best weapons. So, how will this impact Shaheed?
In San Francisco, versatile threat Deebo Samuel’s running ability and agility were used to perfection in Kubiak’s offense. While Shaheed does not pose the same physique as Samuel, he will be used similarly.
I expect to see Shaheed used much more on jet sweeps and quick passes to get him the ball quickly in space and use that big play ability to produce for New Orleans. This will create more opportunities for Shaheed, allowing him to have more consistent usage in this offense while also making him more than just a glorified deep ball threat.
New Situation
This offseason saw the parting of ways between New Orleans and former Offensive Player of the Year Michael Thomas. Thomas has not been the same since the retirement of Drew Brees, struggling with injury after injury keeping him off the field. It was probably time for the two parties to separate, giving Thomas the option of joining a team with a more “win now” mentality. It also allows for New Orleans to develop their younger talent at receiver.
The departure of Thomas allows for Shaheed to establish himself as the true WR2 in the Saints offense. As stated, Shaheed will now be a staple in this Saints offense. He will receive a higher expected target share and will be seen lined up more than just in the slot. Derek Carr showed glimpses of great chemistry between him and Shaheed, and I believe that this will only grow.
Another thing to consider is that Shaheed will be a restricted free agent in 2025 and will have increased motivation to produce. A great season where he proves to be a valuable piece of the Saints’ offense could give him a huge payday after this upcoming year. A quarterback upgrade could also be in store in New Orleans if Carr does not perform what he should, meaning an even better situation for Shaheed.
Potential for WR1 Usage
One of the biggest things to monitor in the 2024 season is the health of wide receiver Chris Olave. Olave has been stellar for the Saints and has been as provided since the moment they drafted him. However, Olave has taken some serious hits that have pulled him out of several games and caused him to miss time throughout the beginning of his career.
I’m not at all saying that Olave will get hurt or saying to bank on him getting injured. Based on Olave’s recent struggles with small injuries, Shaheed could see some games this season where he is the Saints’ number-one option at receiver.
This would give him fantasy relevance. In fact, in games that Olave has missed or has not been deemed “100%”, Shaheed has easily eclipsed double-digit fantasy numbers. As I said, while this is not something to bank on, it is something to consider when drafting Shaheed.
Conclusion
Overall, Shaheed has the potential to break out in his third year while becoming a restricted-free agent in 2025. This can be even more motivation for him to perform and receive a huge payday after this year.
Due to his big play ability in a new system, his usage rates should increase, allowing for him to be a phenomenal sleeper pick to take your team to the top. He has shown flashes of his great speed and talent; now it is time for him to take the next step and emerge as a star in this Saints offense.
