What a difference a year can make.
Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed joined the New Orleans Saints in 2022 as an undrafted free agent out of Weber State. He also joined while rehabbing a knee injury that sidelined him in preseason camp, which further muddled the rookie’s chances of grabbing a roster spot.
All concerns are gone in 2023 after Shaheed wrestled a more secure role as last season unfolded.
“A lot more comfortable, I would say,” Shaheed said. “The offense is becoming a lot more easy to understand. I'm learning a lot of different positions, and our coaches and my teammates have helped me out a lot. It's coming a lot easier.”
Shaheed sat out the Saints’ first five games last season. He was given his first chance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6, and his first career touch turned into a 44-yard rushing touchdown.
After that, he never missed a game.
In his second career appearance — the Saints’ Week 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals — his second career touch turned into a 53-yard receiving touchdown.
Shaheed finished with 28 receptions on 34 targets for 488 yards and two touchdowns. He also had four carries for 57 yards and that first touchdown. His receiving and rushing yardage were both fourth-best on the team.
“I feel like I can improve a lot,” Shaheed said. “That’s going to come with film study — getting with my quarterbacks, breaking down film and just getting on the same page.”
There are two new quarterbacks in New Orleans, too. Veteran Derek Carr was signed after the Las Vegas Raiders released him. Rookie Jake Haener was drafted by the Saints in the fourth round out of Fresno State. Jameis Winston is back for his fourth season, but Carr has been named the starter.
“At the beginning of OTAs, I got a chance to get on the field with (Carr) a couple of times,” Shaheed said. “I’m trying to get a little bit more time in together, but it's gonna take some time (to build chemistry). That's why this OTAs period is important.”
Shaheed, who quickly became known for his speed last year, is also trying to put on weight. The 2022 roster had the 6-foot Shaheed at 180 pounds. He noted his goal weight is 185 pounds, and he’s already around that benchmark.
He also guaranteed the extra weight hasn’t slowed him down.
“It was definitely an emphasis, being a little guy in this league,” he said. “I take a lot of hits. That's why I wanted to add weight.”
This is New Orleans’ second week of offseason training activities, with Tuesday’s open workout and locker room marking the fourth of 10 sessions. Mandatory minicamp is next, from June 13-15.
Saints coach Dennis Allen said he already has seen a difference in Shaheed.
“I do think he's a lot more confident in what he's doing,” Allen said. “Obviously, you can see his speed, feel the speed out on the field. We've been able to hit a few explosive plays throughout these last four days. So, I think he's in a good spot right now.”
