Saints Rookie QB Tyler Shough Holds Out Amid Contract Dispute

The New Orleans Saints face a complex quarterback situation as they head into the 2025 NFL season under new head coach Kellen Moore. Rookie Tyler Shough, the team's second-round pick, is in a competitive battle with second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler for the starting position, with some analysts predicting Rattler's experience may give him the edge despite Shough being the presumed favorite. Shough's contract negotiations reflect a broader holdout trend among second-round picks, who are seeking fully guaranteed contracts following precedents set earlier in the draft. However, Shough's need to participate in training camp due to the quarterback competition likely reduces his odds of holding out compared to other second-round rookies. Shough's relatively advanced age for a rookie and his extended college career raise questions about his ceiling and immediate impact, contributing to skepticism about his readiness to lead the Saints. This evolving dynamic underscores both contractual tensions and the uncertainty surrounding the Saints' quarterback room as they prepare for the upcoming season.