An ESPN trade‑deadline preview singled out the New England Patriots as a team to watch, and analysts have since identified New Orleans Saints’ Rashid Shaheed as a realistic wide‑receiver target who could pair well with quarterback Drake Maye. The consensus view is that the Patriots should pursue a speedy, under‑the‑radar pass catcher who can stretch the field without costing a hefty draft pick.
Shaheed has risen on several lists as a practical fit. He offers ball‑tipping speed and a track record of producing downfield separation, traits that would complement Maye’s emerging deep‑ball accuracy and expand New England’s vertical threat. He is on an expiring contract, which makes him more affordable in trade terms than established top‑tier receivers while still offering immediate on‑field impact.
New England Patriots, Drake Maye, NFL
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) scrambles against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025.
Analysts argue Shaheed’s profile addresses both short‑ and long‑term considerations. In the near term he would add a clear field‑stretching option to open lanes for the Patriots’ underneath and contested‑catch weapons. Over time, if New England chose to sign him beyond this season, Shaheed could be extended at market value that reflects his role rather than commanding a premium haul of draft capital. That balance appeals to teams that want upgrades without mortgaging future flexibility.
There are also counterarguments. New England invested significant draft resources in rookie receiver Kyle Williams and have seen Kayshon Boutte grow into a primary outside option. Adding another vertical specialist could limit Williams’ development or reduce snaps for current contributors. Front‑office evaluators must weigh the marginal gain from Shaheed against the cost of disrupting a young depth chart that has overperformed so far.
ESPN’s NFL Insider Projects Drake Maye’s New England Patriots to Trade For Rashid Shaheed
New England Patriots, Rashid Shaheed, NFL
Sep 14, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) heads off the field after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
New England may go for Shaheed to help Maye on the field. This is detailed more in an analysis by Ben Solak for ESPN.
Who could be targeted? Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. Both Chris Olave and Shaheed should be targets, but Shaheed would probably cost less and also fits nicer into the spread-the-wealth style of quarterback Drake Maye. Shaheed brings a field-tipping speed element that is woefully absent in New England’s current receiving corps, and he could be easily extended while keeping plenty of cap open for a gigantic WR1 contract next March. — Solak
Timing and price will decide whether a deal happens. New Orleans reportedly would seek mid‑round compensation, and New England must determine whether that expenditure aligns with its trade posture and playoff window. For a team riding surprising early success, a modest, position‑specific upgrade may make strategic sense.
New England Patriots, Drake Maye
Sep 28, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) stands on the field prior to a game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
If the Patriots can acquire a fast, affordable receiver who fits Maye’s strengths, the move would be consistent with a build focused on maximising current upside while preserving draft capital. The deadline will reveal whether New England is ready to buy that addition.
Pittsburgh Steelers, Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints, NFL
Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) during warmups before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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