Latest NFL contract report puts a lot of pressure on the Saints to extend one of their young playmakers at a high price

A recent update from an AFC squad could affect the New Orleans Saints offense. Both in the short-term and long-term, we could see the black and gold trey to get a new deal done with one of their fan favorite playmakers. 

Ravens extend WR Rashod Bateman

According to the team, the Ravens have agreed to a new deal with wide receiver Rashod Bateman. 

But as it turns out, the Ravens' newest big extension is to a player that they just extended 14 months ago — wide receiver Rashod Bateman is signing a new three-year contract extension worth up to $36.75 million dollars. Reports have $20 million guaranteed. 

That contract is now stacked with three more years of control beyond 2026. It is, admittedly, an unconventional move. It isn't often that you see contract extensions granted with multiple years left on a deal given out the year prior, yet that's exactly how the Ravens played their hand here. -- Kyle Crabbs

Why does this matter for the Saints? Two words. Rashid Shaheed. 

The speedster is the WR2 for New Orleans as we enter this season, behind Chris Olave. The Saints did add veteran WR Brandin Cooks to the fold this offseason as well. Considering Shaheed's production, particularly last season before his injury, it puts him into the conversation similar to Bateman.