The post-Drew Brees era in New Orleans hasn't just been a rough patch. It’s been a full-blown existential crisis. For years, the Caesars Superdome felt like a place where offensive rhythm went to die, replaced by a revolving door of "bridge" veterans and projects that never quite panned out. But as we head into the 2026 offseason, the vibe in the 504 is... weirdly optimistic? Honestly, it’s because the New Orleans Saints starting quarterback situation finally feels settled.
Tyler Shough is the guy. It’s official.
General Manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Kellen Moore have basically staked their reputations on the former Louisville standout. After a chaotic 2025 season that saw Derek Carr suddenly retire and Spencer Rattler struggle through an 1-7 start, Shough stepped in and didn't just play well—he actually looked like he belonged.
The Unlikely Rise of Tyler Shough
Nobody expected a second-round pick to stabilize this franchise this quickly. When the Saints took Shough in the 2025 NFL Draft, the draft pundits were skeptical. He was 25 years old. He’d bounced from Oregon to Texas Tech to Louisville. People called him "injury-prone" and "old for a prospect."
But the tape from the second half of 2025 tells a different story.
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Shough took over the reigns in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams and never looked back. Over nine starts, he put up numbers that didn't just lead the rookie class; they rivaled some of the better veterans in the league. He completed 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards. He tossed 10 touchdowns against 6 interceptions. Those aren't "hall of fame" numbers, but they are "winning" numbers.
The Saints went 5-4 with Shough under center. For a team that looked like it was headed for the number one overall pick in October, that’s a massive turnaround.
Why Kellen Moore Is "Excited"
It’s not just about the stats, though. It’s the fit. Kellen Moore’s offense needs a quarterback who can handle complex reads and move the pocket. Unlike Spencer Rattler, who sometimes played a bit too "hero ball" and took unnecessary sacks, Shough showed a veteran-like poise.
Coach Moore recently noted that the team is "excited" to have a full offseason to build specifically around Shough’s strengths. "Tyler’s done an awesome job... he’s taken advantage of a bunch of opportunities," Moore told reporters earlier this month. It’s the kind of public backing we haven't seen for a Saints QB since No. 9 was wearing the fleur-de-lis.
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What Happened to the Other Guys?
You might be wondering where everyone else went. The Saints' quarterback room has been a bit of a soap opera lately.
- Derek Carr: The veteran shocked everyone by retiring abruptly after the 2025 draft. He's currently on the retired list, though rumors are swirling about a potential comeback. If he does return, the Saints still hold his rights, meaning they could potentially flip him for a draft pick to a QB-needy team like the Jets or Raiders.
- Spencer Rattler: He started the 2025 season as the guy, but the wheels came off fast. While he threw for over 1,500 yards, the 1-7 record was too much to ignore. Now, there’s heavy talk about trading him this offseason. He’s clearly a starting-caliber talent, but the fit in New Orleans just isn't there anymore.
- Jake Haener: The former Fresno State star was released recently. It seems the "three-man race" from last summer is officially a one-man show.
- Taysom Hill: He's still doing Taysom things. He’s listed as the third-string QB on the depth chart, but we all know he's really just a Swiss Army knife who will probably throw five passes and rush for six touchdowns next year.
By the Numbers: Shough’s 2025 Impact
To understand why the New Orleans Saints starting quarterback job is Shough’s to lose, you have to look at the efficiency.
He finished with a 49.2 QBR. Is that elite? No. But considering he was playing behind a line that featured rookie left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and was constantly shifting due to injuries to guys like Erik McCoy, it’s impressive.
He also added a dimension on the ground that the Saints haven't had in years. He rushed for 177 yards and three touchdowns. He’s 6'5" and built like a tank, but he’s "faster than he looks," according to teammate Cameron Jordan. That mobility saved a lot of broken plays in December.
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The Road to 2026: Expectations vs. Reality
Mickey Loomis is being patient. He knows Shough hasn't even played a full 17-game season yet. "We have to remember that he hasn't had 17 starts yet... we have to temper that," Loomis cautioned during a recent press conference.
The Saints aren't exactly "super bowl or bust" right now, but they are out of the basement. The defense is still aging—Cam Jordan is essentially the soul of the city at this point—but they need the offense to sustain drives. Shough proved he could do that.
The biggest challenge for the New Orleans Saints starting quarterback in 2026 will be consistency. Can he do it when defensive coordinators have a full season of film on him? Can he stay healthy? (That’s always been the knock on him.)
Strategic Steps for the Saints Offseason
- Solidify the Interior Line: With Erik McCoy dealing with a biceps injury that landed him on IR, the Saints need to ensure Shough isn't seeing ghosts up the middle.
- The Rattler Decision: Trade him now. His value is high enough to snag a third or fourth-round pick from a team that missed out on the top draft prospects.
- Weapon Up: Chris Olave is a superstar, but the depth behind him and Rashid Shaheed is thin. They need a big-bodied red zone threat to help Shough in tight windows.
The era of uncertainty in New Orleans might not be fully over, but for the first time in five years, fans aren't spending their Sundays arguing about who should be under center. Tyler Shough earned the right to lead this team. Now, he just has to prove he can keep it.
If you're following the Saints' roster moves this spring, keep an eye on the Derek Carr situation. Even though he's retired, his contract and potential trade value remain one of the most significant "what-ifs" for the team's cap space heading into the draft.