The 2025 NFL Draft delivered a shock to many when the New Orleans Saints selected Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough with the 40th overall pick. This move came as a surprise, especially considering the Saints passed on several highly-rated quarterbacks earlier in the draft, including Shedeur Sanders, who was widely projected as a first-round pick. The selection of Shough raises questions about the future of current Saints quarterback Derek Carr, whose position with the team remains uncertain after a contract restructure and an undisclosed shoulder injury.
Shough, who will be 26 in September, is the oldest quarterback in this year’s draft class. His collegiate career spanned seven years, with stints at Oregon and Texas Tech before his final season at Louisville. In 2024, he started 12 games for the Cardinals, showcasing impressive passing numbers: 3,915 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. His experience playing in the Senior Bowl, a game often scouted by the Saints, likely played a role in their decision.
This pick marks the third consecutive year the Saints have drafted a quarterback, previously selecting Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. With the Saints’ decision to pass on Sanders twice, they are clearly betting on Shough’s potential to lead the franchise into the future. Whether he can step up and challenge Carr for the starting role remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Saints are taking a calculated risk with a veteran quarterback prospect.
While the Saints’ decision might be puzzling to some, their scouting department clearly saw something special in Shough. His experience, strong performance at Louisville, and participation in the Senior Bowl all point towards a player the Saints believe can contribute to the team’s success. The coming season will be crucial in determining if this gamble pays off.
