The name Tyler Shough has surged in popularity, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. As the New Orleans Saints navigate a major roster shift following veteran Derek Carr’s retirement, the 2025 second-round pick stands out among the contenders. In the rapidly intensifying quarterback competition—featuring Spencer Rattler and backed by coach Kellen Moore’s careful guidance—Shough’s potential has become a focal point.
College Legacy and Transition to the NFL
Shough’s journey spans three prominent college programs: Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville. With the Cardinals in 2024, he threw for over 3,100 yards and 23 touchdowns, finishing 14th nationally in total offense and second all-time at Louisville in yards and touchdowns per game. His resilience, having played just 42 games over seven seasons due to injuries, makes his rise even more compelling.
After being drafted 40th overall, Shough signed a fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract worth approximately $10.8 million—a strong vote of confidence from New Orleans management. That contract places him in prime position to compete for the starting role immediately.
| College | Year | Passing Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 2018–2020 | – | – |
| Texas Tech | 2021–2023 | – | – |
| Louisville | 2024 | 3,195 | 23 |
| NFL Rookie Contract (2025) | 2025 | – | $10.8M |
Despite his limited college availability, Shough’s skill set—deep-ball accuracy, mobility, and leadership—has drawn praise from the coaching staff.
Quarterback Competition Heats Up
The Saints’ QB room has become a headline generator following Derek Carr’s retirement due to a serious shoulder injury. Coach Kellen Moore has publicly affirmed that Shough, Rattler, and Haener are all in the mix for the starting job, making the preseason evaluations pivotal.
- Spencer Rattler: 2024 fifth-round pick, struggled last season with an 0-6 record and a 57% completion rate.
- Jake Haener: Entered with limited playing time but seen as a veteran backup option.
- Tyler Shough: Labeled as the frontrunner by some scouts and insiders.
In training camp, Rattler initially held the upper hand with first-team reps, but as preseason began, Shough seized more critical snaps, signaling a potential shift—especially after his standout performance. The rotation strategy may be giving way to a clearer direction, depending on how the preseason continues to unfold.
Preseason Performance: Moments That Matter
During the Saints’ preseason opener, Shough flashed both promise and caution. He completed 15 of 22 passes for 165 yards and threw a 54-yard touchdown. Yet, he also suffered a pick-six that underscored his inexperience. Despite the loss, his dynamic play energizes the race for QB1.
Meanwhile, Rattler started the game and finished with 7 completions on 11 attempts for 53 yards. His performance was solid but lacked the explosive upside Shough demonstrated. Postgame, coach Moore emphasized both QBs showed positive traits and moments to learn from in that single outing.
| Quarterback | Completions/Attempts | Yards | TD / INT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Shough | 15 / 22 | 165 | 1 TD / 1 INT (pick-six) |
| Spencer Rattler | 7 / 11 | 53 | 0 / 0 |
| Game Result | Saints lost 27-13 | ||
| Turnovers & Efficiency | Multiple turnovers, poor third-down conversions | ||
The data point to Shough’s high-variance but high-ceiling play, compared to Rattler’s steadiness. With each snap, the stakes grow higher.
Coach Kellen Moore’s Strategy and Insights
Coach Moore emphasized patience in selecting a starter, but his actions suggest he’s leaning toward clarity soon. His post-game comments recognized both quarterbacks’ talents and the need to refine situational football execution. He observed Rattler’s mobility and ball avoidance while praising Shough’s ability to direct scoring drives—in particular, a late first-half two-minute drill that ended in a field goal, showcasing poise and decision-making.
Moore’s approach appears to weigh performance, growth trajectory, and temperament—all critical factors in choosing his leader under center.
The Road Ahead for Shough and the Saints
As the Saints move deeper into preseason, several key questions remain:
- Can Shough string together consistent performances without turnovers?
- Will Rattler’s steadiness outweigh Shough’s high-impact plays?
- Will injuries or game management issues tip the competition?
- How quickly will coach Moore decide ahead of Week 1?
- What external pressures (media, fan expectations) will influence the decision?
Both quarterbacks bring distinct advantages—Rattler with steadiness and familiarity, Shough with arm talent and big-play ability. The coming preseason games and camp practice reports will likely determine which direction the Saints’ offense heads into the 2025 season.
Summary
- Tyler Shough enters with impressive physical tools and college production, rewarded with a guaranteed rookie contract.
- The race for quarterback supremacy in New Orleans is real and wide open, with Rattler and Haener also in contention.
- Shough’s preseason debut was electrifying, though not devoid of mistakes.
- Coach Moore appears poised for a rapid decision—but only once true clarity emerges.
As fans and media closely watch, no definitive starter has been named yet, but Shough’s stock is rising fast. The next few weeks could reshape the franchise’s direction under center.
