If you haven't been glued to the NFC South lately, the New Orleans Saints depth chart probably looks like a different planet. The days of Drew Brees are a distant memory, and even the Derek Carr era ended with a suddenness that left the Big Easy spinning. So, who is New Orleans QB right now?
The answer is Tyler Shough.
Honestly, if you’re a casual fan, you might be asking, "Tyler who?" But in New Orleans, this guy is basically the city's new hope. He didn't just walk into the job, though. He survived a wild 2025 season that saw a franchise legend retire out of nowhere and a quarterback room that felt more like a game of musical chairs.
The Tyler Shough Era Begins
Tyler Shough (pronounced "Shuck," for those wondering) isn't your typical wide-eyed rookie. He’s 26. He spent seven years in college, bouncing from Oregon to Texas Tech and finally Louisville. By the time the Saints took him in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft (40th overall), he had more "life experience" than most third-year pros.
But he wasn't supposed to start immediately.
Everything changed in May 2025. Derek Carr, who was entering the third year of a massive contract, stunned the league by announcing his retirement. He had a nasty labral tear in his shoulder and decided his health mattered more than another season of hits. Suddenly, the Saints were staring at a void. They started the year with Spencer Rattler, but after a miserable 1-6 start, the coaching staff finally handed the keys to Shough in November.
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He never looked back.
By the Numbers: Shough’s Breakout 2025
It’s easy to say a guy looks good, but Shough actually backed it up. He went 5-4 as a starter. That might not sound like Hall of Fame stuff, but he led the team to four straight wins to close out the year.
- Passing Yards: 2,384
- Touchdowns: 10 passing, 3 rushing
- Completion Rate: 67.6% (third-highest for a rookie in NFL history)
- The "Clutch" Factor: He led three 4th-quarter game-winning drives in the final month of the season.
In January 2026, the NFL named him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month. He's currently a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year. It's kinda wild considering he didn't even start the season as QB1.
Who is New Orleans QB Heading into 2026?
The debate is over. While training camp always has some "competition" talk, Saints head coach Kellen Moore and GM Mickey Loomis have been loud and clear. On January 7, 2026, Moore told reporters he is "great with Tyler" as the starter.
The organization is all-in. They even gave him a fully guaranteed $10.8 million rookie contract, which is almost unheard of for a second-round pick in New Orleans.
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What happened to Spencer Rattler?
You've probably heard Rattler's name a lot. He's still there. He’s the QB2 on the current 2026 depth chart, though he’s been dealing with a finger injury that has him questionable for the start of spring work. Rattler had his shot early in 2025, but the offense just didn't move the same way. Shough brings a 6-foot-5 frame and a 4.63-second 40-yard dash. He’s a "pro’s pro" who seems to have finally found a home after a collegiate career defined by injuries.
The Taysom Hill Factor
We can't talk about New Orleans quarterbacks without mentioning the human Swiss Army knife. Taysom Hill is still on the roster, listed as QB3/TE/RB/Special Teams Ace. He’s recovering from an AC joint injury in his shoulder, but he remains the "break glass in case of emergency" option. However, the days of Taysom being a legitimate threat to take over the starting QB job are likely over. Kellen Moore wants a traditional, rhythmic passer, and Shough fits that mold perfectly.
Why Shough is Different
Most people get it wrong when they look at Shough’s age as a negative. Sure, he’s older, but that’s why he didn't blink when the Saints were 1-6. He’s played under three different offensive systems in college. He’s been a backup to Justin Herbert. He’s dealt with broken collarbones and seasons cut short.
When he stepped onto the field against the Buccaneers in December—a rainy, miserable game where he only threw for 144 yards—he won it with his legs. He ran for two touchdowns, including a 13-yarder in the fourth quarter. That "grittiness" is what won over the locker room.
Chris Olave, the Saints' star receiver, recently said that Shough’s presence is one of the main reasons he’s excited to stay in New Orleans. When your WR1 is happy, the city is happy.
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What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a misconception that the Saints are still "looking" for their next quarterback. They aren't. They might draft a developmental guy late in the 2026 draft, but they aren't in the market for a veteran like Aaron Rodgers or Kirk Cousins anymore. The "recalibrate" phase Loomis talked about after Carr’s retirement is finished.
The Saints found their guy in the second round.
Actionable Insights for Saints Fans
If you're following the team this offseason, here’s what you actually need to watch:
- Offensive Identity: Watch how Kellen Moore builds the 2026 playbook. Last year was a "patchwork" job. With a full offseason, expect more deep shots to Olave and Rashid Shaheed now that Shough has proven he can hit those marks.
- Health Watch: Shough’s college career was plagued by injuries. The Saints' offensive line—led by Taliese Fuaga—has to keep him clean. If Shough goes down, the drop-off to a recovering Rattler or an aging Hill is steep.
- Rookie of the Year Voting: Keep an eye on the AP awards. If Shough wins, he’ll be the first Saints QB to take home that hardware. It’s a massive boost for the franchise’s brand.
- Free Agency: Since the Saints don't have to pay a QB $40 million a year right now, they have a rare window to spend on defense. Watch for them to be aggressive in the secondary to help Shough by giving him more possessions.
The question of who is New Orleans QB finally has a stable answer. Tyler Shough isn't just a placeholder; he's the focal point of the Saints' future.