Will Tyler Shough Start Week One for the Saints?
As the New Orleans Saints prepare for a new season, all eyes are on rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, a surprising yet intriguing candidate to start in Week One, potentially. After an up-and-down college career marked by flashes of brilliance and frustrating injuries, Shough finds himself in a quarterback room that lacks a clear-cut leader. While the Saints brought in veteran options to stabilize the position, Shough’s arm talent, pocket presence, and familiarity with pro-style systems could give him a real shot at seizing the job early. However, standing in his way is a looming training camp battle that will test his readiness, poise, and ability to command an NFL offense. Let’s dive into why Shough might be the Saints' best bet to lead the offense out of the gate and who he’ll have to outperform to make that a reality.
Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore was reportedly adamant about getting “his guy” in the draft, and that guy was Tyler Shough. Moore, known for his ability to mold and elevate quarterbacks, saw something in Shough’s size, arm strength, and mobility that made him believe the 40th overall pick could eventually develop into a high-end NFL starter. The Saints’ decision to invest such a valuable pick in Shough strongly suggests he’ll get the first crack at proving himself NFL-ready, especially with a fresh offensive system. Shough’s college career was a rollercoaster, starting at Oregon, transferring to Texas Tech, enduring multiple injuries, and finishing strong at Louisville. That turbulent journey, marked by adversity and constant adaptation, may be precisely what prepares him for the pressure of competing at the pro level. We saw a similar narrative play out last season with Bo Nix, who used his winding college path to emerge as a poised and productive rookie starter for the Broncos. With Moore’s system designed to highlight his strengths, Shough could be walking into the perfect opportunity to defy expectations and take the reins in Week One.
As training camp approaches, the most likely scenario is a head-to-head quarterback competition between Tyler Shough and second-year player Spencer Rattler. While Rattler is undeniably talented with a strong arm, solid athleticism, and plenty of big-game experience, he wasn’t Kellen Moore’s hand-picked choice. That distinction matters. Shough was the quarterback Moore wanted to build around, and that vote of confidence gives him a slight edge heading into camp. Though Rattler may show flashes and has a smoother collegiate resume in some respects, Shough offers more elite physical traits, namely, a bigger frame, stronger arm, and the kind of mobility that can extend plays and drive defensive coordinators crazy. Shough's upside is hard to ignore in a league increasingly leaning toward quarterbacks who can create outside structure. If the battle is close, don’t be surprised if Moore leans toward the guy he sees as a long-term difference-maker, especially one he specifically targeted in the second round.
All signs point to Tyler Shough having a real opportunity to seize the Saints’ starting quarterback job in Week One, and the circumstances seem to be aligning in his favor. With the full backing of Head Coach Kellen Moore, a substantial draft investment, and a toolset that fits the modern NFL mold, Shough enters training camp as more than a developmental project; he’s a legitimate contender to lead this team immediately. While Spencer Rattler will provide intense competition and push him throughout the offseason, Shough’s combination of physical upside, resilience from a turbulent college journey, and system fit gives him the inside track. If he can show command of the playbook and poise under pressure, don’t be surprised if Tyler Shough takes the first snap of the Saints’ 2025 season.
