The New Orleans Saints entered the 2025 offseason with a plan, but that changed quickly when rookie quarterback Tyler Shough was thrust into a wide-open competition. The unexpected retirement of Derek Carr, following complications from a shoulder injury, left the Saints without a clear starter and one of the most uncertain quarterback situations in the league.
Now, Shough, second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler, and 2023 draft pick Jake Haener headline the battle for the starting job. The Saints also added undrafted rookie Hunter Dekkers for depth, but it’s clear the focus is on the top three. And with OTAs underway, early impressions of Shough’s performance are starting to come in — and they’ve caught the attention of local insiders.
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New Orleans Saints Insider Sees Promising Signs From Rookie Tyler Shough in Competitive QB Room
According to Saints beat reporter Matthew Paras of The Times-Picayune and The Advocate, Shough is showing encouraging signs of growth during Phase Three of the Saints’ offseason workout program.
In a recent report on X, Paras noted, “You want to see growth from QBs in a session like this and that was evident for Tyler Shough.” He highlighted two standout deep throws from the rookie during 7-on-7 drills, connecting with Bub Means and Donovan Peoples-Jones. The throw to Means, in particular, earned a “wow” from Paras.
While Rattler is still drawing the majority of first-team reps — no surprise given his experience (seven games played last season) — Paras reported that Shough also saw time with the first-team defense. That speaks to how open head coach Kellen Moore is keeping the competition. Moore, in his first season as an NFL head coach, has made it clear that no starting decision has been made.
Tyler Shough showed today why many evaluators believed he had the best arm talent in the 2025 NFL Draft. Dude can spin it. https://t.co/UO8LAcXx6g
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) May 29, 2025
Of course, rookie learning curves remain. Paras also noted that Shough “appeared to be late on a throw that Rejzohn Wright picked off,” an expected bump for a young quarterback adjusting to the speed of NFL defenders.
Shough, selected No. 40 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, brings maturity to the role — he’s a rare 26-year-old rookie who overcame two major injuries in college. He has spoken openly about his excitement to work under Moore, whose offensive mind helped guide one of the league’s most explosive attacks in Philadelphia last season.
Moore’s system, which blends play-action with shotgun looks and utilizes quarterback mobility, is a strong fit for Shough’s skill set. His ability to extend plays and drive the ball vertically is exactly what the Saints hope can spark an offense that struggled with inconsistency last season.
Meanwhile, Jake Haener, battling an oblique injury, worked off to the side during recent OTA sessions, per Paras, leaving Rattler and Shough to take the bulk of meaningful reps. Rattler remains the most experienced option, but Shough’s flashes of progress are giving the Saints plenty to think about as the offseason unfolds.
The quarterback race in New Orleans is just beginning, but if early reports are any indication, Shough is making the most of his opportunity — and keeping the door wide open for a potential starting role.