NFL News Roundup: Saints Sign Second-Round QB Tyler Shough to Rookie Deal Ahead of Training Camp…read more…
In a move that solidifies their quarterback depth heading into the 2025 NFL season, the New Orleans Saints announced on Monday that they have officially signed second-round draft pick Tyler Shough to his rookie contract. The former Texas Tech and Oregon signal-caller, taken with the 43rd overall pick in April’s draft, is now under contract just days before the start of training camp.
A Key Step in Saints’ Offseason Planning
The Saints’ decision to draft Shough was met with intrigue, given the team’s recent investment in veteran quarterback Derek Carr. However, with Carr entering his third year in New Orleans and coming off a mixed 2024 season marked by inconsistency and injuries, the franchise clearly sees value in developing a young quarterback behind him.
Shough’s signing ensures the Saints will enter camp with a full quarterback room, including Carr, backup Jake Haener, and now the rookie prospect who could factor into the franchise’s long-term plans.
The four-year deal is expected to be worth approximately $7.5 million, including a signing bonus north of $2 million, in line with the NFL’s rookie wage scale for second-round selections. Though specific guaranteed figures have not been disclosed, Shough’s deal reportedly includes performance escalators that could increase its total value.
Shough’s Journey to the NFL
Tyler Shough (pronounced “Shuck”) took a winding path to the NFL. Originally a high-profile recruit out of Arizona, he began his college career at Oregon, where he succeeded Justin Herbert but struggled with consistency. After transferring to Texas Tech, Shough dealt with a series of injuries but showed flashes of brilliance when healthy. His size (6’5”, 230 lbs), arm talent, and leadership traits impressed scouts, even if his college résumé was marred by durability questions.
At the 2025 NFL Combine, Shough turned heads with his physical tools and poise in interviews. Despite missing time during his final collegiate season, his pro day performance helped elevate his draft stock into early Day 2.
“Tyler’s got everything you look for in a developmental quarterback,” Saints GM Mickey Loomis said after the draft. “He’s smart, tough, and he’s faced adversity. We think our system and coaching staff will help bring out the best in him.”
What Shough Brings to New Orleans
While Shough is not expected to challenge Carr for the starting role immediately, his presence adds intrigue to the Saints’ quarterback room. Known for his strong arm, mobility, and high football IQ, Shough could be molded into a viable starting option in the future—especially if Carr underperforms or struggles with injuries again.
In college, Shough compiled 4,875 passing yards and 39 touchdowns over five seasons, with 17 interceptions. He also rushed for over 500 yards and seven scores, adding a dimension of athleticism that the Saints may look to harness in specific offensive packages.
“I’m just excited to get to work,” Shough said after signing. “This is a franchise with great history, and I’m grateful to be a part of it. I know nothing is handed to you in this league. I’m here to learn, compete, and help this team any way I can.”
Saints’ QB Strategy: Eye on the Present and Future
The addition of Shough is emblematic of a growing trend in the NFL—teams investing in promising quarterbacks even with a veteran starter in place. The Saints’ approach mirrors what the Packers once did with Aaron Rodgers behind Brett Favre, and more recently, what the Eagles did by drafting Jalen Hurts behind Carson Wentz.
Derek Carr still figures prominently into the Saints’ short-term plans. He threw for 3,874 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2024 but was also sacked 42 times and posted a QBR that ranked 20th among qualified passers. With mounting pressure to perform and a younger option now on the roster, Carr’s future may hinge on a bounce-back year.
Meanwhile, Jake Haener—drafted in the fourth round in 2023—will now face competition from Shough for the primary backup role. The Saints are likely to use preseason games to evaluate both players, with the potential for one to be moved to the practice squad or even traded, depending on performance.
Broader Context: Rookie Signings Around the League
Shough’s signing comes amid a flurry of rookie contract completions as teams gear up for training camps across the league. With camps opening this week, several other high-profile rookies have inked deals, including first-rounders Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals), Caleb Williams (Bears), and Dallas Turner (Vikings).
Second-round picks, such as Shough, often take slightly longer to finalize contracts due to negotiations around guaranteed money and offset language. However, most teams prioritize having rookies fully signed before the start of camp to avoid distractions and maximize development time.
Saints Training Camp Outlook
The Saints report to training camp on July 24 in Metairie, Louisiana, with practices beginning shortly after. While all eyes will be on the competition at wide receiver, linebacker, and offensive line, the quarterback depth chart will draw considerable attention as well.
Head coach Dennis Allen emphasized the importance of quarterback development this offseason and has praised Shough’s early progress during rookie minicamp and OTAs.
“He’s come in, learned the playbook quickly, and carries himself like a pro,” Allen said. “It’s still early, but we like what we see.”
With Carr entrenched as the starter, Shough’s early reps will likely come in the third-string role, but his preseason appearances could go a long way in determining how the Saints view their long-term quarterback situation.
Final Thoughts
Tyler Shough’s rookie deal represents more than just a contract signing—it signals a potential shift in New Orleans’ approach to the most important position in football. With a proven veteran in place, a young passer with upside in Shough, and another developmental player in Haener, the Saints are quietly building options for the future.
As training camp begins and the 2025 NFL season nears, all eyes in New Orleans—and around the league—will be watching how Shough fits into the mix. Whether he becomes a future starter or a long-term backup, his signing marks a new
chapter in the Saints’ evolving quarterback narrative.
