New Orleans Saints’ Family Ties Cast Shadow Over Tyler Shough’s Rookie Campaign
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The New Orleans Saints' 2025 offseason has become a quarterback drama, with second-round pick Tyler Shough positioned as the potential successor to retired veteran Derek Carr. At 25, Shough brings both experience and medical red flags from his seven college seasons marked by multiple collarbone fractures and a broken leg.
Proven Skills vs. injury History
Shough's 2024 season at Louisville showed promise - 3,195 passing yards and 23 touchdowns with full health. Saints coach Kellen Moore highlights his "elite physical tools," while Shough himself vows consistency: "Every day I work to prove I can reach my full potential."
Immediate Starting Chances
Sportsbooks currently favor Shough (-300) over Spencer Rattler (+200) for the Week 1 start. Success would make him the Saints' first rookie opening-day starter since Archie Manning in 1971.
The Nussmeier Connection Looms Large
Shough's future faces an unexpected challenge from LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, son of Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. The younger Nussmeier's 2024 Breakout Season (4,052 yards, 29 TDs) has him projected as a 2026 top-10 pick.
CoNFLict of Interest Concerns
While NFL rules prevent direct tampering, the father-son relationship creates ethical questions. Analysts predict this connection will dominate pre-draft discussions, especially if the Saints struggle in 2025 and gain high draft position alongside their projected $335 million 2026 cap space.
2026 Draft Class Complications
Shough's challenges extend beyond the Nussmeier family:
Drew Allar's Rise
Penn State's 6'5" passer Drew Allar improved his completion rate to 66.5% in 2024 while leading playoff victories. Many mock drafts now link him to New Orleans.
The Wild Card: LaNorris Sellers
South Carolina's dual-threat QB LaNorris Sellers draws Cam Newton comparisons, creating another potential option for the Saints' future plans.
Shough's Make-or-Break Season
The rookie must quickly address:
- History of pressure-induced mistakes
- Inconsistent deep-ball accuracy
- Need to avoid becoming the "fall guy" if team struggles
High-Stakes Gamble for Saints
While Shough's performance will dictate his immediate future, the organization's long-term strategy appears tied to the 2026 draft class. As one league insider observes: "Shough has the talent, but family connections might write a different ending to his story."
