Tyler Shough is having an impressive rookie year. Is he “The Guy” or should the New Orleans Saints find someone else?
In eight games this season (six starts), Shough has completed 66.7 percent of his passes while throwing for 1,484 yards and six touchdowns. He has also rushed for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
New Orleans began the 2025 season 1-7 before turning the reins over to Shough as the team’s starting quarterback. The former Louisville star has posted a 3-3 record as a starter.
Sure, Shough is looking like the long-term answer for the Saints so far. But there’s always a possibility he doesn’t pan out.
Is Tyler Shough the Long-Term Answer for the Saints?
Other Quarterbacks the Saints Could Pursue
The Saints would have several options if they were to look elsewhere for a franchise quarterback. Right now, the team would have the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if the season were to end today. New Orleans could trade up for one of the top two picks. By doing that, they could then draft a quarterback like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza or Oregon’s Dante Moore.
Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a win in the Big Ten championship game, defeating No. 1 Ohio State 13-10. Plus, he recently won the Heisman Trophy. He is widely considered the top quarterback prospect in the draft.
Meanwhile, Moore has a ton of potential. He’s an accurate passer who shows good touch on his deep ball. Moore (if he declares for the draft) could turn out to be an superstar down the road.
Going the trade route, the Saints could pick up someone like Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals) or Mac Jones (San Francisco 49ers). Murray is a two-time Pro Bowler who could use a change of scenery. And Jones has played great this season when filling in for starter Brock Purdy.
Yes, Shough Is the Future in New Orleans
Sure, the Saints could find another franchise quarterback somewhere else although it certainly isn’t an easy task. But building around Tyler Shough is perhaps the best thing to do.
Again, Shough has looked impressive this season, powering the Saints to victories in the last two games. The second-round pick orchestrated fourth quarter game-winning drives in both contests.
In Week 15, Shough completed 24 of 32 passes for 272 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. He also led the team with 32 rushing yards. New Orleans won the game 20-17 over the Carolina Panthers.
Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com pointed out on X is that Shough already has as many wins against opponents with a .500 or better record as Derek Carr did during his time in New Orleans:
Tyler Shough is the future of the Saints. So instead of drafting a quarterback in the first round, the team should take a pass rusher instead like David Bailey or Rueben Bain Jr. Shough has has the potential to become the franchise’s best quarterback since Drew Brees.
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