If the New Orleans Saints are going to compete in the ever-competitive NFC South – let alone in the NFC as a whole – they’re going to need to get a lot more out of their offense. They’ve revamped their offensive system going into the season, and that change should bode well for at least one of their young up-and-coming players.
Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was recently identified as a potential breakout player by CBS Sports’ NFL analyst Jared Dubin. Dubin named one player from each team as a potential breakout player for 2024, and has his eyes on Shaheed for the Saints.
You can make the argument that Shaheed has already broken out as a return specialist. Serving as the team’s primary kick and punt returner for half the year last season, making the Pro Bowl last year as a punt returner. Now, it’s his turn to break out as a wide receiver.
Shaheed has played well for the Saints in a rotational role the past two seasons. When he’s had an opportunity to show what he can do, it’s usually turned out well for the Saints offense. Shaheed has already shown a penchant for explosive plays, grabbing 74 receptions for over 1200 yards in his career, despite playing roughly 50% of the team’s snaps over that time.
Now, in year 3, Shaheed should factor much more heavily into the offense. He’s likely to be one of the team’s starting receivers, and should provide the Saints with an explosive play-maker both outside and from the slot. Shaheed provides New Orleans with the perfect complement to star receiver Chris Olave, opening up the rest of the field with his potential to blow the top off a defense on every snap.
