In light of Derek Carr’s shoulder injury news, the Saints have expanded their options at quarterback for the 2025 season. The Saints brought in Tyler Shough for a Top-30 visit.

Shough, the 2024 Louisville starter, is getting mocked in the 3rd round. First round draft capital would certainly speak to increased confidence in his ability. Shough spent five seasons in college, bouncing around from Oregon and Texas Tech before finally landing in Louisville.

Shough doesn’t offer much in the way of rushing, only gaining 19 yards in twelve games as the starter in 2024. Shough finished no. 7 among the 2025 draft class QBs with an 87.7 PFF Pass Grade.

PlayerProfiler’s best comparable player for Shough is Davis Mills. Mills was a short-term starter for the rebuilding Texans, but ended up as a career backup. This feels like a similar pathway for Shough– even if he ends up with 1st round draft capital.  The Saints hold picks no. 9 and no. 40. The best bet is that either the Saints spend no. 40 on Shough, or trade up with that pick into the back end of the first round. With no other meaningful Quarterback rostered behind Carr, a prospect like Shough would get a prime opportunity to start Week 1.

Author: Bradley Stalder (@FFStalder)