Saints activate $985,000 exclusive rights free agent tag to re-sign Rashid Shaheed

Even though the New Orleans Saints had a tough season overall in 2023, one player definitely shone brightly and he is WR Rashid Shaheed. He wasn’t just good, he was a standout. He used his incredible speed and sharp route running to become a real weapon on the field.

Shaheed’s ability to make explosive plays has not only earned him accolades but has also endeared him to fans. The Saints fell short last season, but they are now gearing up for a promising performance in the upcoming season. Securing Shaheed was a big move to earn the goal.

Saints re-sign Rashid Shaheed under exclusive rights free agent tag

The Saints have secured the return of Rashid Shaheed for the 2024 season, utilizing the exclusive rights free agent tag. This move ensures that he will don the Saints’ uniform for another year, with his one-year tender valued at $985,000, via SI.com.

The wide receiver’s contractual status as an exclusive rights free agent might have raised eyebrows among fans, but it is a straightforward process in NFL terms. As an ERFA, Shaheed had not yet accrued three years of experience, and had limited options.

The NFL’s rules, called the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), are making things tough for Shaheed right now. These rules say that players can’t sign contracts for more than one year until they’ve been in the league for three seasons. Because of that, Shaheed had to agree to the minimum salary for 2024. This isn’t ideal, but it sets him up for better deals in the future.

In 2025, Shaheed will become a ‘restricted free agent.’ This means he can negotiate contracts with other teams, but the Saints have the right to match any offer. So, here’s what could happen:

The Saints offer him a one-year contract at the minimum salary again. Shaheed can either accept this or refuse the offer and sit out the entire 2025 season. This is a risky move, but it could force the Saints to give him a better deal to keep him on the team.

Basically, Shaheed is stuck with a lower salary for now, but these rules give him a chance to fight for a bigger contract in the future.

However, the Saints can retain control over the WR’s future trajectory. They could opt to extend his tenure with another restricted free agent tender in 2025 by delaying his unrestricted free agency until 2026. In the meantime, he is expected to play a promising role in strengthening the Saints’ receiving corps by assuming the team’s second wide receiver role alongside Chris Olave.

Rashid Shaheed performance in 2023 NFL season

Rashid Shaheed not only accumulated over 300 yards from scrimmage, but he also showcased his prowess as a return specialist. He recorded over 300 yards on both kick and punt returns, outshining his competition with ease. Even the highly-touted rookie Marvin Mims, who represented the AFC Pro Bowl team, paled in comparison to Shaheed’s contributions.

The receiver’s impact extended to the offensive side of the ball, as he recorded 46 receptions for 719 yards and five touchdowns. His role in the offense gradually grew throughout the season, thanks in part to the strategic vision of the new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak.

Rashid Shaheed finished the 2023 season with the 10th-most all-purpose yards in the NFL. His performance earned him a well-deserved Pro Bowl appearance for his exceptional work on special teams. The veteran also secured a coveted spot on the All-Pro team.