Tyler Shough Poised to Lead Saints in 2025

Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough officially inked his four‑year, fully‑guaranteed contract just days before Training Camp. This marks one of the most notable rookie deals of the 2025 NFL Draft, with team control firmly indicating the Saints see Shough as more than just developmental depth.

At 25, Shough arrives in New Orleans with significant collegiate credentials; a final season at Louisville boasting 3,195 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, adding up to a collegiate total of 7,820 yards, 59 TDs, and 23 INTs over 42 games played.

Why the Saints Invested 4 years 

• Fully guaranteed contract: Uncommon for a second-round pick—but reflective of their confidence in Shough’s readiness and upside. The deal also includes yearly roster‑bonus payments during the first week of training camp—another signal of their seriousness.

• Experience and physical tools: At 6'5" and 219 lbs, Shough brings solid size, mobility, and arm talent. Evaluators describe him as a “93rd‑percentile athlete” with deep‑ball accuracy and pocket presence. Think along the lines of a mobile version of Nick Foles.

• Competitive QB room: Shough will battle Spencer Rattler (1,317 yards, 4 TDs, 5 INTs in 2024) for the Week 1 starting nod and odds are in his favor with the start of camp upon us. 

2025 Stat Line Prediction For Shough

Assuming Shough earns the starting role early and plays the majority of the season, here's a researched projection for Tyler Shough:

Passing Yards          ~3,200 yards

TDs/INTs                    18 TD/12 INT

Completion %            63%

QB Rating                ~88 RTG

Rushing Yards          ~300 yards, 2 TDs

Rationale:

• Past data shows mid-round rookie QBs in modern systems hover around 3,000 passing yards with ~18 TDs.

• Shough’s 62–63% college completion rate, combined with a system tailored by rookie‑friendly head coach Kellen Moore, supports similar efficiency at the pro level.

• His sneaky mobility implies modest rushing upside (300 yds), while turnover risk will be mitigated but still present (12 INTs).

Final Take

The Saints’ fully guaranteed investment in Tyler Shough reflects a commitment to jumpstart a new era under head coach Kellen Moore. If he can translate his deep‑ball prowess and athleticism to the NFL past the inevitable rookie bumps, Shough could end 2025 as one of the more promising first‑year starters in the league. While there are accuracy and pressure‑handling concerns, as seen on his Louisville film, this projection lays out a realistic and optimistic situation: a 3,200–yard season with mid‑teen touchdowns, setting a foundation for growth for year two and beyond.