Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up through BetMGM. 21+ only. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The New Orleans Saints have struggled to find consistency after Drew Brees retired. Derek Carr was supposed to be the guy, but his tenure in the Big Easy was disappointing and short-lived.
Spencer Rattler wasn’t that bad, but he may not have what it takes to be a franchise quarterback. With that in mind, former team star Tyrann Mathieu urged the team to build around Tyler Shough:
“I think the way the young kid Tyler played this past weekend, I think that gave them great hope. If he’s able to play that way, then you know you have to build around him. I think that’s the next step for the Saints,” Mathieu said.
"I think the way the young kid Tyler played this past weekend… that gave them great hope." 👀
Is it time to build around Tyler Shough in New Orleans? @Mathieu_Era gives his take 👇 pic.twitter.com/fZ7yigpSME
— In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu (@InTheBayouPod) November 23, 2025
Then again, we should take these words with a grain of salt. For starters, Shough isn’t particularly young for a rookie; he’s 26 years old already, three years older than Cam Ward, this year’s No. 1 pick.
Shough had one of the best arms in this class. The arm talent was evident, but given his long history of major injuries and his age, there were already many reasons to be concerned.
Now, after watching him play some games this season, he certainly has some juice in his arm and can make some plays. Whether that will be enough to lead the team back to the playoffs might be a different story.
The Saints are expected to be in the running for the No. 1 pick this season, and barring a shocking turn of events, they will use that to get a signal caller. If they fall out of the top five, with the shortage of promising options at quarterback, they might give Shough another chance. If not, they may not want to roll the dice on an older prospect who might be closer to being a finished product.
NEXT: Saints Make Big Roster Decision With Veteran WR