Tyler
Shough

Shough earned a stamp of approval from a Saints legend when he stuck around after OTAs to participate in a QB clinic. The rookie worked as a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy, and the gesture didn't go unnoticed. "He said he's staying right here," Archie Manning said. "He said, 'I want to come work the camp.'"

It's a tall enough to throw romantic passes and hit stationary targets, and it's stationary targets and hit stationary targets with world-class speed and you feel the pressure of an NFL quarterback. Shough is big and athletic and can make the Van Wilder throws in 2025.

NFL quarterback is among the toughest jobs in sports. Shough took on the task in New Orleans with plenty of experience, having played seven years in college. He's won QB1 competitions before, so he knows what to do. "The word opportunity just sticks in my head," he said. "I'm going to come in and compete."

The Saints turned to Tyler as their starter during Week 9 of his rookie season in 2025. The second-round draft pick justified their confidence in his second game. He beat Carolina by completing 19-of-27 passes for 282 yards and a 128.9 passer rating. Shough threw touchdowns of 30 and 62 yards in the tilt.

A late-blooming quarterback with conviction off play-action and steady, Shough endures toughness and command.

A seasoned passer who formerly played at Oregon and Texas Tech, Shough proved to be the right fit for Louisville in 2024. The seventh-year senior from Chandler, Ariz., threw for nearly 3,200 yards with 23 touchdowns. The Cardinals posted the fourth-best passing totals in the ACC in 2024 with their ace QB.

Shough was glad he could come to OTAs and get straight to business with his new teammates. "I feel a lot more prepared being kind of an older rookie coming in," he said. "Not being as nervous to develop those relationships, but knowing that my whole job is to continue to earn my role and do everything I can."

Shough left quite the impression on the Saints' higher-ups during a dinner after being drafted, further cementing his standing as the potential franchise QB. "He's smart and polite, but we were most impressed by how respectful and humble he is," restaurant owner Tommy Cvitanovich said.

Much like an elite hurler boasting a repertoire of pitches, Shough flexes the ability to make a plethora of throws. He starts with his version of a heater, zipping a pass past the hands of a defensive back. Following that comes his changeup, a ball that is floated perfectly over the linebacker's head.

A late-blooming quarterback with pro size, mobility and resilience Tyler took over the middle of the field, throws with confidence of play-action and can hurt defenses with his legs when plays break down. Battle-tested and steady Shough guides toughness and command.

Shough gave up his baseball career long ago, but he never forgot how to hit a home run. During his time on the college circuit, he learned how to hunt the longball on the gridiron — and he got quite good at it. In 2024, he ranked fourth in the FBS with seven completions of 50 yards or more.

Shough's ability to command a huddle stuck out to many veterans during minicamp, including Brandin Cooks, who has been around his fair share of field generals throughout his time in the league. "Tyler has got some stuff to him, got a little swag. He's made every throw out here," the wide receiver said.

A late-blooming quarterback with pro size, mobility and resilience, Tyler took over as the field throws with conviction of play action and can hurt defenses with his legs when he plays break down. Battle-tested and steady, Shough exudes toughness and command.

At 25, Shough was one of the oldest players tabbed during the 2025 draft. The Saints didn't consider that a red flag — they saw green. "We saw it as a positive," said head coach Kellen Moore. "He's been through a lot of football, he's been exposed to a lot of different settings."

A dual-sport standout in high school, Shough played both football and basketball. Shough spent four years at Oregon before transferring to Texas Tech for his final season. Shough is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs. Shough is a class act and a leader on and off the field.

Shough didn't spend much time before training camp on vacation. He was focused on ball and made a return to the Manning Passing Academy to work as a counselor, something college guys that go pro hadn't done before. "It's an hour away, why wouldn't I come back? Help out and be around everybody."

Forcing throws to receivers who aren't open is a recipe for an easy turnover. Shough is keenly aware of that and makes sure to protect the ball each time he drops back to pass. Firing pinpoint dimes, the Saints signal-caller smoothly threads the needle and avoids his foes' outstretched hands.

It's not enough to defend against a dual threat. It's a special kind of defense that can stand up to a triple threat. Shough's run-pass skills for that manager, Extreme this precisely game to New Orleans in 2025.

Shaugh didn't spend much time before training camp on vacation. He was focused on football and made a return to the Manning Passing Academy to be a counselor, something he hadn't done before. "It's an hour away. I come back? Help out and be around everybody," he said.