The New Orleans Saints entered the 2025 NFL season with some major question marks. Would Kellen Moore work out? Is Chris Olave going to be back and healthy again? And most importantly, is Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough the solution at quarterback?
Moore has looked the part of a quality head coach, while Olave had his best season in the NFL and is poised to land a big extension this offseason. The third and final question was answered in a big way.
That question on the Saints' future at quarterback was answered by Shough. As Katherine Terrell of ESPN revealed, the Saints are committed to Shough as the starter for the 2026 season.
Saints confirm Tyler Shough as starter for 2026 season
"The New Orleans Saints are preparing to move ahead with Tyler Shough as their starting quarterback in 2026," Terrell writes.
This was the expected move after Shough finished the season on a very impressive stretch against some tough opponents.
Since he became the starter, the Saints went 5-4, with big wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the playoff-bound Carolina Panthers twice.
Shough, the 26-year-old rookie quarterback, finished the season with 2,384 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a 67.6 completion percentage.
As a runner, on 45 attempts, he gained 186 yards and three touchdowns. He's not a scrambling quarterback like Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, or Patrick Mahomes. But he can run when needed.
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The promise that Shough showed in 2025 was more than enough for a second-round rookie quarterback through just nine starts.
Thanks to a strong close to 2025, which featured a four-game winning streak and multiple 300+ yard passing days, Shough has more than earned the starting job next season.
After some uncertainty at the quarterback position, the Saints have found their franchise guy in Shough.
New Orleans has their quarterback, and this report from Terrell confirms that the Saints have decided to go into 2026 with Shough as the starter.
Now, the Saints will look to build around Shough by going after interior offensive linemen, wide receivers, tight ends, and potentially running back help this offseason.
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