NFL News: Saints QB Tyler Shough delivers bold statement in wake of Derek Carr’s retirement

Derek Carr announced in recent hours his surprising decision to retire from professional football in the NFL. A serious shoulder injury forced the veteran quarterback to bring his career to an end, opening the door for others in the New Orleans Saints‘ QB room — including Tyler Shough — to take charge of the starting role beginning in Week 1.

Selected with the 40th overall pick in the second round of the latest Draft, the former Louisville Cardinals standout was one of the Saints’ biggest bets for the upcoming season. While head coach Kellen Moore still faces a tough decision, the rookie QB knows he deserves a chance to showcase his full potential.

Speaking to the media during the early stages of rookie minicamp, Shough made it clear he’s ready to seize his opportunity — whether it’s in his natural position or wherever the team needs him on the field.

“That’s all you can ask for is an opportunity, at any position,” the talented signal-caller told the press. “And I’m going to treat it the same way, as if whoever is on the roster, I’ve got to continue to grow and get better and do my best to elevate the QB room and the team. For me, I was going to come in regardless of him being here or not and try and continue to grow.

Tyler Shough #QB14 of Louisville participates in a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“I think he’s been such a high-level player for so long (Carr), I think it would be a great opportunity to learn from him. It’s also a great opportunity to grow myself and be on this team with a lot of great coaches and guys on the team that we have already. I’m just excited for what’s forward and the rest of our offseason.”

see also

Jon Gruden breaks silence with emotional message to Derek Carr after retirement

Shough’s goal for what lies ahead

Tyler Shough knows the transition from college football to the NFL won’t be easy. However, he’s fully committed to giving his all and learning as much as possible during this pivotal stage of his career.

While there are still no guarantees as to who will succeed Carr as the starter in Week 1, the former Cardinals QB is already thoroughly studying the playbooks to be ready for the challenge if called upon.

“I think for me it’s just going through the same process for minicamp, trying to learn the playbook and get to know my teammates as much as I can and do everything I can to continue to get better,” Shough via the team’s website. “(Coach) Kellen (Moore) told me this morning (about Carr’s retirement) and that was the extent of it, and we went out to practice and had a lot of fun.”

Who will be the next starting QB for the Saints?

As Kellen Moore faces the crucial decision of who will step in as the starting QB following Derek Carr’s retirement from the NFL, rumors surrounding the identity of the QB1 remain unclear. For now, the head coach’s decision is to give all available players valuable reps.

“Saints HC Kellen Moore said they will rotate all their quarterbacks, give them all opportunities, as one tries to seize the starting job. ‘We’re going to let all three of these guys roll,’ Moore said. Each will be given the chance to win the Saints’ starting job,” Adam Schefter reported via @AdamSchefter.