The NFL offseason provides players with an opportunity to rest and spend quality time with family. For some players, though, it’s a chance to put in some extra work to improve their game.
New Orleans Saints rookie Tyler Shough is one player using his downtime to prepare for the new season and has been picking the brains of a current veteran quarterback.
How is Saints Quarterback Tyler Shough Spending His Offseason?
Shough is widely expected to be the Saints’ starting quarterback in 2025, having been taken in the second round of April’s NFL Draft. The recent retirement of starting quarterback Derek Carr has thrust the rookie into the spotlight, with only 2024 rookie Spencer Rattler offering competition for the job.
Another new face in New Orleans is head coach Kellen Moore, who was hired after masterminding the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning offense last season. Working with a new play caller can be difficult, but Shough has been getting some inside knowledge from one of Moore’s former Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks.
According to Saints insider Nick Underhill, the rookie has been working out with former Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush. Rush had spent his entire NFL career with the Cowboys before moving on to the Baltimore Ravens earlier this year. Moore spent five seasons coaching in Dallas, including four seasons as the offensive coordinator.
Tyler Shough is working out with Cooper Rush ahead of training camp.
Rush played under Kellen Moore in Dallas.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) July 15, 2025
There is no indication as to whether any other players were present or if the Moore connection was a coincidence, but it was likely a talking point. Either way, the former Louisville quarterback’s work ethic is impressive.
Will Tyler Shough Start for the Saints this Season?
Despite numerous flashes of exciting arm talent, Rattler failed to win any of his six starts in 2024, making Shough the clear favorite for the starting role. The tall, mobile rookie is exactly one year older than Rattler, to the day, despite being drafted a year later, and has plenty of arm talent himself.
Shough is also far more mobile than he gets credit for, as evidenced by his time of 4.63 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The rookie will hope to have a complete set of pass-catchers to throw to in his rookie year, something Rattler didn’t have.
Tyler Shough runs a 4.64u on his second try and is FIRED UP 🗣️
📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Z0qqr2dq9J— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2025
Both Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed missed significant time through injury in 2024, completely flattening the team’s passing attack. With both receivers set to return this season and veteran receiver Brandin Cooks joining in free agency, the Saints should be competitive in the NFC South.