New Orleans Saints’ Quarterback Conundrum: Drafting Tyler Shough Adds Fuel to the Fire
April 25, 2025, 11:10 PM ET
In a move that has set the NFL world abuzz, the New Orleans Saints have made a significant statement in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Saints, under the leadership of coach Kellen Moore, have chosen to stir the pot of quarterback speculation by selecting Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough with the No. 40 pick. This decision comes after the team opted for Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. at No. 9 in the first round.
The selection of Shough has opened the floodgates of speculation, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding current quarterback Derek Carr. Carr’s absence from the voluntary offseason program has only added to the intrigue. The Saints confirmed Carr has a shoulder injury during a pre-draft press conference, but coach Moore remained tight-lipped, stating the team will “let that process play itself out.”
Should Carr choose to remain absent when offseason practices commence in May, Shough will find himself in a competitive environment alongside Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Rattler, who stepped in as the primary starter during Carr’s injury last year, and Haener, who had a brief stint as a starter in 2024, will both be vying for the top spot.
Shough expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “My goal is to come in there and compete and do everything I can to make the team better. And I think for my situation, that’s my whole goal and I’m just really excited to work with the coaches and see a lot of my close friends and teammates that are already there. So, just super fired up for the opportunity and obviously a great franchise and a great history of quarterbacks.”
With a potential quarterback controversy brewing in New Orleans, Saints reporter Katherine Terrell, along with NFL insider Dan Graziano and player analyst Steve Muench, delves into the pressing questions surrounding this situation.
Is Tyler Shough in the QB1 Conversation?
Yes, Shough is indeed in the mix for QB1. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, who has been in his position since 2002, has a history of securing the quarterback his coach desires. Sean Payton wanted Drew Brees, and Dennis Allen wanted Carr, who was signed in 2023 after the Saints failed to acquire Deshaun Watson.
The Saints have not heavily invested in a quarterback during Loomis’ tenure, making this draft pick a potential nod to Moore’s preferences. The rocky start to Moore’s relationship with Carr, coupled with Carr’s uncertain status for the 2025 season, adds layers to this decision.
However, even with Carr out of the equation, Shough’s path to QB1 is not guaranteed. The Saints have drafted quarterbacks in the last three drafts, including Rattler, who faced challenging circumstances last year. With a new coaching staff, Rattler, who is a year younger than Shough, will have the opportunity to prove himself in camp. This competition could leave either Haener or Ben DiNucci as the odd man out.
Shough’s familiarity with the Saints’ coaching staff, having spent time with them at the Senior Bowl, Louisville’s pro day, and during a pre-draft visit, could work in his favor. Shough shared that his discussions with Moore were insightful, particularly Moore’s perspective on analyzing negative plays.
“You’re going to have to talk about bad plays and bad plays are going to happen,” Shough said. “And you’re going to have good ones, but whenever those bad plays come, how do you analyze it? And he never viewed it as a negative. He used it as an opportunity to grow and it was fixable and I really love that perspective from him because he understands the position, that it’s all analytical and you can grow every single snap and play. So I love that and I took a lot out of it.”
Impact on Saints’ Playoff Chances
Does this move bolster the Saints’ playoff chances in the typically wide-open NFC South? It’s a question worth pondering. With Carr’s status uncertain and Shough potentially being an upgrade over Rattler, the Saints’ prospects are intriguing.
Shough is highly regarded as a prospect, and his age and experience suggest he might be ready to play immediately. However, the Saints face numerous challenges. The team is in a transitional phase, with a first-time head coach and a roster filled with question marks. Despite drafting an offensive lineman in the first round, the line still requires improvement. The defense is aging, and the receiving corps has struggled with injuries.
While there’s still plenty of draft left and hope abounds this time of year, the reality is that Shough’s role may be to guide New Orleans through a rebuilding period. Yet, who knows? Perhaps Shough will shine, and receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed will both achieve 1,000 receiving yards.
What Does Shough Bring to the Table?
Shough’s journey began at Oregon, where he backed up Justin Herbert. He faced injury setbacks during his time at Texas Tech but had a standout season in 2024 at Louisville. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, Shough possesses the prototypical frame for an NFL quarterback. He is known for making impressive throws, threading passes into tight windows, and delivering downfield with precision.
Shough demonstrates poise under pressure, protecting the ball and keeping his eyes downfield. He extends plays and makes off-platform throws. His 4.63-second 40-yard dash at the combine highlights his speed, making him a threat to scramble for first downs.
Originally Written by: Multiple Contributors
