Saints Name Rookie Tyler Shough Expected Week 1 Starting QB After Carr Retirement

Following Derek Carr's retirement due to a shoulder injury that would have sidelined him for the 2025 season, the New Orleans Saints' quarterback competition is now centered around rookie Tyler Shough, who is favored to start Week 1. Shough, a 25-year-old with seven college seasons, was taken in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft and is viewed as potentially the Saints' quarterback of the future despite concerns about his college durability and lack of elite status. While ESPN projects Shough to rank second among rookie QBs in passing yards and touchdowns, overall expectations remain modest, with some analysts ranking him among the weakest quarterbacks in the league and describing the Saints' quarterback room as one of the weakest. Shough's situation is unique given the Saints' new offensive system and limited supporting cast, making his development into a reliable starter uncertain but crucial for the team's success. Despite the challenges, Shough has expressed enthusiasm about joining the Saints and acclimating to New Orleans. The quarterback battle also includes Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener, but Shough currently holds the edge as the likely starter.