Tyler Shough has gone from a second round pick highlighted on social media for a poor throw at the NFL Combine to the catalyst for belief in New Orleans Saints over the course of a year. He was under a microscope either way, but there’s significantly more eyes and pressure on Shough than there was as a rookie.
CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin fully understands the importance of Shough’s sophomore campaign. Dubin’s biggest question for Shough is can he be a franchise quarterback. For many Saints fans, he proved that last season. Shough excelled in his limited time even when the cupboard was bare. That won’t be an issue in 2026.
Juwan Johnson was the only skill player around Shough who made that e initial 53 man roster, and it wasn’t a talent rich pool to begin with. Shough shouldn’t even get to a point where players from the practice squad are among his most targeted options for any game. More talent around him and a year of experience makes for higher expectations. Dubin ends his explanation with another question. “Can he take advantage of the improved situation?” That question will answer the larger question of if Shough is a franchise quarterback.
Tyler Shough’s performance will define the Saints’ season
The biggest question for Shough is also the biggest question for the Saints. Their season hangs on the answer to the question.
With all of the investment the Saints made into their offense this offseason, it sent a clear message that they believe fully in Shough. They built an offense designed to win shootouts, if all things go correctly on that side of the ball. The most impactful part of the equation,however, is quarterback. The additions if he isn’t on the point.
Shough will have to take a step forward. If he doesn’t, the Saints very well could be in line for another top-10 selection. The defense showed some optimism, but there were also clear places the unit could’ve use some help. Kellen Moore instead opted to dedicate essentially the entire offseason to building the offense.
As unfair as it is, the approach demands immediate results. It’s young players who easily could take a lil time to get acclimated to the game. However, it’s all on Shough to making everything and everyone gel together. Sacrificing high investment in the defense, while also losing critical pieces, puts the unit in a tough position. You can see answers on the roster, but it feels sort of boom or bust. The offseason was centered around preparing to win in case the latter comes true.
That is why Shough becoming a franchise quarterback is so important. It’s more than just justifying the faith. That’s too vague. It’s about justifying the offseason approach. Shough’s ascension very well could make or break the Saints in multiple games next year.
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