The New Orleans Saints are currently slated to own the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft following their Week 8 loss. At an NFL-worst 1-7, general manager Mickey Loomis should be an aggressive seller at next week's NFL trade deadline (Nov. 4). One of the Saints' most tradeable assets is wide receiver Rashid Shaheed.
Shaheed is on an expiring contract after signing a one-year, $5.2 million deal last offseason. The Saints should be interested in trading expiring contracts in exchange for additional draft capital to help accelerate their rebuild. With Shaheed scheduled for free agency, he's a no-brainer candidate to draw interest before the deadline.
Shaheed has produced 39 receptions for 431 yards and two touchdowns this campaign. He could draw significant market attention prior to the upcoming Nov. 4 trade deadline. We've identified three potential landing spots for Shaheed.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills could use a deep threat like Shaheed to expand their offense. Josh Allen is one of the best deep-ball throwers in the league. The Bills have pass-catching depth throughout their roster, but none of their receivers quite thrive at stretching opposing secondaries like Shaheed can.
The Bills' passing attack is taking a by-committee approach. Allen spreads the football around, with four pass catchers currently producing between 234 and 356 receiving yards. Shaheed would arguably be the Bills' most talented receiver, and he'd allow offensive coordinator Joe Brady to completely open up his playbook. Shaheed would be dynamic for Allen.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The 4-3 Pittsburgh Steelers have dropped two consecutive contests. With Lamar Jackson probably coming back from injury this week, and Joe Burrow on the road to eventual recovery, many already expect the Baltimore Ravens and/or Cincinnati Bengals to overtake the division-leading Steelers in the AFC North. General manager Omar Khan needs to stay aggressive in a win-now season that has 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers on a one-year contract.
Rodgers is playing at a high level. The Steelers' offense sorely lacks pass-catching depth behind DK Metcalf. Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson haven't developed into legitimate WR2 options. Pat Freiermuth and Jaylen Warren have been more productive than them in the passing game. Shaheed would be a huge addition to Arthur Smith's offense.
New England Patriots
The 6-2 New England Patriots are the hottest team in football. Their ongoing five-game winning streak is tied for the longest active streak heading into Week 9. Mike Vrabel has made the Patriots instant contenders alongside the Bills in the AFC East. Sophomore quarterback Drake Maye is developing into a face-of-the-franchise talent right before our very eyes.
Maye would benefit from having another productive field-stretching weapon. Stefon Diggs is producing like a No. 1 receiver, and Kayshon Boutte has developed very nicely this season, with a team-high five touchdowns so far. Veteran journeyman Mack Hollins is being miscast as the No. 3 wideout. The Patriots should aim higher as they prepare to make a postseason run. Shaheed would fit Josh McDaniels' offense.