Due to little financial freedom, the New Orleans Saints may trade wide receiver Rashid Shaheed during the 2025 regular season. Earlier this offseason, Bleacher Report made a prediction that the Saints could consider trading Shaheed after the George Pickens news. It seems impossible at this rate, but it’s not entirely out of the question, as the receiver will become a free agent next spring. It’s going to get difficult for the Saints to budget the contracts, not only for Shaheed if he has another explosive campaign, but wide receiver Chris Olave, who has been in several trade conversations.
After making it known that they’re keeping Olave for another season, it might be Shaheed who could be in a new uniform for the 2026 season. However, if they endure another losing campaign, which is likely, they could trade him as early as this upcoming season. While Shaheed isn’t the most exciting name in the league, he did put up promising numbers of 94 catches for 1,556 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging 16.6 yards per catch. Meanwhile, the Saints will be in a hole again next offseason when it comes to their salary cap situation.
Following Derek Carr’s retirement, it gives them a little bit of freedom, but they would still be behind in money. It should not be surprising if the Saints finally embrace the rebuild and trade Shaheed during the season if they have another losing campaign.
Could Cash-Strapped Saints Trade Exploding Weapon Rashid Shaheed? – 4 Suitors Emerge
Possible Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have two explosive weapons in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, but it doesn’t mean they can’t add another. Jalen Tolbert is good, but he needs to prove he can be great, or else this will be his last season with Dallas. Dak Prescott wins most matchups when slinging it in the slant routes, and this could be perfect for someone like Shaheed, who could excel in this offense.
Kansas City Chiefs
Meanwhile, quarterback Patrick Mahomes knows how to do the same as well. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy will be their long-term playmakers as long as they can stay out of trouble. Marquise Brown coming back is just temporary, but they could try to trade for Shaheed to be a capable rotational WR3 to complete the offense for Mahomes.
Baltimore Ravens
However, this possible trade could solve all their issues when it comes to the wide receiver unit. Lamar Jackson throws deep, but he loves to pass in those short routes and have the receivers pick up the yardage with their speed. Shaheed has similar characteristics to Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, so he could easily fit into this unit.
Despite them signing DeAndre Hopkins, he’s more of a short-term option similar to what Diontae Johnson and Odell Beckham Jr. were.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers are still in dire need of a wide receiver. They need someone explosive who can help 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey, who had an impressive 2024 campaign. Veteran Mike Williams isn’t going to save Justin Herbert in the aerial attack as he’s too washed up. Shaheed provides a new, fresh breeze that can be an excellent duo for McConkey.
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