Who is Tyler Shough? Getting to know the Saints’ rookie QB

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE)—After playing college football for seven years at three different schools, Tyler Shough (pronounced as “SHUCK”) was probably the most experienced quarterback available in this year’s NFL draft.

But he was also the oldest available, at 25 years of age.

According to Fox Sports, Shough is the oldest quarterback drafted since 2012, when the Cleveland Browns drafted 28-year-old Brandon Weeden out of Oklahoma State in the first round.

Shough is already older than 12 quarterbacks projected to start in the NFL this year.

Of course, the concern about his age won’t matter if Shough can be successful in this league.

General Manager Mickey Loomis likes what he’s seen from his rookie quarterback.

“I think it’s a benefit when a guy’s had a lot of experience, you know, and has a little maturity to him at that position,” Loomis said.

Loomis also said that Shough’s interviews with the Saints went well and that the staff liked what they saw in evaluations.

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Shough’s football journey began as a 4-star pro-style quarterback prospect by Scout and 247Sports out of Chandler, Arizona. He saw limited time as a redshirt freshman in 2018 at Oregon and served as a backup to now Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert the following season. At Oregon, he was also teammates with Saints tight end Juwan Johnson.

In 2020, Shough became Oregon’s full-time starter but it was a season of inconsistency and interruption as COVID-19 restrictions affected sports worldwide. Shough left Oregon for Texas Tech through the Transfer Portal with three seasons of eligibility left.

Despite winning the starting role at Texas Tech and getting off to a hot start, Shough injured his collarbone in 2021. Despite strong performances over the next two seasons, Shough’s time on the field was limited by more injuries.

With one final year of eligibility left, Shough blossomed at Louisville in 2024. He started in all 12 games he played with a win-loss record of 8-4. He completed 244 passes out of 389 for a percentage of 62.7, totalling 3,195 yards. He threw 23 touchdowns and 6 interceptions with a passer rating of 148.1.

With starting quarterback Derek Carr possibly sidelined with a shoulder injury to start next season, Shough has a chance to compete for the role as week one starter for the New Orleans Saints.

In his visits with the team, first-year head coach Kellen Moore said his staff liked Shough’s confidence.

“He was ready, he was prepared. Obviously, he’s been through a lot, in a good way, so he’s ready to compete in our quarterback room,” Moore said.

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By drafting Shough in the second round, it’s the highest the Saints have taken a quarterback in the draft since 1971 when Archie Manning, was selected out of Ole Miss at No. 2 overall.

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