Drew Brees compared Tyler Shough to Taysom Hill in a recent interview with Sharief Ishaq for WDSU. It’s not in their play style that connects them, but the way they overcame adversity in college. In this same interview, he also gave insight on the quarterback battle.
“You know, honestly, a lot of similarities to Taysom Hill. Taysom Hill was one of those guys coming out of college who would spend four or five years in college.” Brees said, “Had some major injuries but man when he played, played really, really well.”
Brees notes how both Shough and Hill overcame multiple major injuries while in college. Shough had three season ending injuries, breaking his collarbone twice and his fibula once. Hill had a similar career path, suffering four major injuries. While at BYU he endured a knee injury, a fractured leg, a lisfranc injury and a hyperextended elbow. They both got injured frequently, but were dynamic while on the field.
Tyler Shough and Taysom Hill were both late bloomers
Brees explained how they both didn’t enter the NFL until late in their careers. Shough was widely criticized for spending seven years at college. Similarly, Hill was at BYU for five years and spent an additional two years in Sydney, Australia for a religious mission. Hill isn’t the stereotypical NFL quarterback but shows how an older prospect can still impact a team.
The Saints haven’t named a starting quarterback in 2025. Derek Carr was their projected starter but shockingly retired this offseason. This has created a quarterback battle between Tyler Shough and 2024 fifth round pick, Spencer Rattler.
“We’ll see how this thing shakes out. I’m not giving anyone the job right now.” Brees said, “I know we went out and drafted Tyler Shough in the second round but I’m sure Haener and Rattler have something to say about that. Competitions bring out the best in everybody. I’m sure that everyone’s excited to mold these guys.”
Shough is the clear favorite to start because he was a highly selected quarterback by this coaching staff. Rattler has more starts but was selected by the former regime. Shough has the advantage but Rattler still has the opportunity to compete and prove he’s the man for the job.
Drew Brees comparing Tyler Shough to Taysom Hill shows how he overcame adversity and will impact the Saints in 2025. The quarterback battle will elevate both Shough and Rattler to the best version of themselves this offseason. Shough is the favorite but Rattler isn’t out of contention.