Denny Medley-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints’ offense is expected to see a full rebound and rebrand heading into the 2025 NFL season. After years of drop off from what was once one of the NFL’s high-octane producers, new head coach Kellen Moore is bringing his innovative approach to the Big Easy with the hopes of revitalizing the attack.
While that approach may come with a run-heavy focus, wide receivers and pass-catching in general will always play a crucial role in any team’s offensive success. But there’s one player that Moore should consider calling upon in both phases: wide receiver Rashid Shaheed.
Versatile Weapons Limited
There is no certainty as to when versatile tight end Taysom Hill will be back on the field for the team after a significant December leg injury. That means if New Orleans wants another joker-style player that can do a little bit of everything, they’ll have to find the production elsewhere. Possibly from multiple players.
With running back Alvin Kamara’s ability to catch and run out of the backfield, he should be more consistently called upon if Hill misses time. However, he shouldn’t be at it alone. Not while Sahaheed is an option.
One of the team’s top wideouts, he should continue to be the deep threat he’s proven to be over the years since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Additionally, however, the team should find more ways to get the ball in his hands.
Shaheed And The Run Game
Shaheed’s first touch in the NFL came in a Week Six matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022. It was a jet sweep that led to a 44-yard touchdown sprint as the defense couldn’t keep pace with Shaheed’s trademark speed.
THAT SHAHEED SPEED 🔥🔥🔥🔥
44-yard TD run 🙌#Saints | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/eBbPUJyvmw
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 16, 2022
Shaheed has run the ball just 17 times in his career. Four times in 2022, seven times in 2023 and six times last year.
Of his 17 rushes, four were endarounds, one came from the running back spot and another was a screen pass that went backwards, logging as a rush. The rest were jet sweep variations.
Allowing Shaheed to do a bit more out of the backfield, including running routes, and continuing to find ways to get him involved in the rushing attack could be a great additional wrinkle in Moore’s offense.
A Dynamic Duo
With Shaheed and Kamara both having more unpredictable roles, it would then create opportunities to use them each as decoys in order to set up big players for other players. Moore should take full advantage of Shaheed’s speed and returner talent by getting him folded into a variety of offensive responsibilities in 2025.
