The New Orleans Saints might have one of the weakest quarterback rooms in the NFL. However, that hasn’t stopped the team of having a quarterback battle to see who will command the offense. An offense, by the way, that has the likes of Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara on the roster.
According to Adam Schefter, from ESPN, the Saints have signed QB Tyler Shough to his rookie contract. This will be a fully-guaranteed $10.795 million deal. This is a part of the whole second-rounders signing guaranteed deals. Now, the quarterback is ready to go for training camp.
At pick No. 40, Shough is the last player picked in the 2025 NFL Draft to get a fully-guaranteed deal. The contract also includes annual ‘Roster Bonus‘ structure, something that only first round pick have. With this, Shough will receive the majority of his pay each year during the first week of training camp.
Shough has to earn his spot
While many think Shough will start, he has to earn the starting role. He is currently competing with Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Shough was picked in the second round so there is some sort of hype behind him. However, the fact that he hasn’t been announced as the starter might concern some as the competition isn’t the most tough.
Rattler and Haener failed to deliver last season. Shough played for Louisville in 2024 and he threw for 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, all while completing 62.7% of his passes. Shough didn’t set the College Football stage on fire, but at least he brings a fresh face to a roster that desperately needs a good passer.
The Saints should have a decent offense
Newly-appointed head coach Kellen Moore made a name for himself by being an explosive play-drawer as offensive coordinator. Moore likes big plays, establishing play-action and explosive runs. Now, he will have to be more lenient as his quarterbacks are not proven NFL talents.
That doesn’t mean the Saints are talent-less on offense. Chris Olave, when healthy, is a top-tier wideout in the league. Also, Alvin Kamara is one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the NFL. He is a very good runner, and an elite pass-catcher, making him one of the best running backs you can have.