Saints Eyeing Reunion with Former WR Rashid Shaheed

Shaheed's dynamic playmaking ability could be a perfect fit for the Saints' revamped offense.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 9:15am

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The New Orleans Saints are reportedly considering a reunion with former wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, who they traded away at the midseason deadline. With the team's late-season surge behind new quarterback Tyler Shough, the Saints are now in a different position and could benefit from Shaheed's dynamic playmaking skills and special teams contributions.

Why it matters

The Saints' offense lacked a consistent deep threat opposite star receiver Chris Olave last season. Bringing back Shaheed, a free agent this offseason, could provide Tyler Shough with another reliable target and give the Saints' passing attack an added dimension.

The details

The Saints traded Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks at the 2025 trade deadline, when the team was struggling at 1-8. However, with Shough's emergence and the Saints' strong finish, the team is now in a position to compete in the NFC South. Shaheed, 27, is a free agent this offseason and could provide an immediate upgrade to the Saints' receiving corps, having overlapped with Shough for just one game last year.

  • The Saints traded Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks at the 2025 trade deadline.
  • Shaheed will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

The players

Rashid Shaheed

A 27-year-old wide receiver and return specialist who was previously traded from the Saints to the Seahawks.

Tyler Shough

The Saints' starting quarterback who took over the role late in the 2025 season and helped lead the team's late-season surge.

Chris Olave

The Saints' top wide receiver, who could benefit from having another reliable target opposite him in the passing game.

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What they’re saying

“The Saints are in a different position than they were in when they traded Shaheed. At the time, the Saints looked like they needed a full rebuild. Things turned around in the second half of the season and now the team appears to be on the doorstep of contending in the NFC South. If the Saints were to bring Shaheed back, that would only help the team further.”

— Patrick McAvoy, Sports Illustrated Analyst (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Saints will likely explore the possibility of re-signing Rashid Shaheed when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason, as he could provide a valuable complement to their passing attack and special teams.

The takeaway

The Saints' late-season turnaround has put them in a position to compete in the NFC South, and bringing back a dynamic playmaker like Rashid Shaheed could be a cost-effective way to further bolster their offense and special teams units.