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Saints make move of sneaky importance with decision over All-Pro receiver Rashid Shaheed's future

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Nicholas McGee | Last updated Jul 20, 2024 7:53 PM ET

Rashid Shaheed has emerged as one of the most important players on offense for the New Orleans Saints, who have rewarded the wide receiver with a contract extension.

Shaheed was already signed to the Saints for the 2024 season having been re-signed as an exclusive rights free agent.

However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Saints have signed him to a one-year extension worth $5.2 million, keeping him under contract through the 2025 campaign.

The Saints and exclusive rights free agent WR/returner Rashid Shaheed reached agreement on a one-year, $5.2 million contract extension, per source. Shaheed was an All-Pro and Pro-Bowl selection last season. The deal was negotiated by his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. pic.twitter.com/8BBII2JlIh
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 20, 2024

Last season, Shaheed was named as a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler having made a significant impact on offense and as a return man.

Shaheed racked up 719 yards receiving in 2023, averaging 15.6 yards per reception as he proved himself an extremely effective deep threat. He also caught five receiving touchdowns.

Yet he was named first-team All-Pro because of his efforts as a punt returner. Shaheed averaged 13.6 punt return yards and returned one for a touchdown. On top of that, he had 384 kick return yards to finish the season with 1,479 all-purpose yards.

Still only 25, Shaheed would appear to have his best years ahead of him both as a return man and as a receiver with more dynamism than he has perhaps been given credit for in his career to this point.

Due only $985,000 in 2024 before earning over $5 million in 2025, Shaheed has the potential to make his contract extension look like tremendous value for money in the not too distant future.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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