The New Orleans Saints saw quarterback Derek Carr retire last month, and the team is now seeking its franchise quarterback.
New Orleans took Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough in the second round of the NFL Draft in April, so he will get a chance to be the team’s future signal caller.
New Orleans Saints, Derek Carr
Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks off the field after field after an injury during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
If Shough doesn’t work out, it means the Saints didn’t play well and will most likely be selecting at the top of next year’s NFL Draft.
While every Saints fan hopes the team lands hometown kid Arch Manning, a new mock draft has them selecting a quarterback many people in New Orleans might not know.
Saints Take New QB
USATSI 26143736 168400517 lowres
May 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) during rookie minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Ian Cummings from Pro Football Networkhas the Saints picking No. 1 and taking Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in a 2026 mock draft.
“Even if Manning returns to school, there are still QB prospects who could prove themselves worthy of the No. 1 overall pick,” Cummings wrote, “In fact, there are QB prospects better positioned than Manning to make that argument right now. One of those prospects is Fernando Mendoza.”
It will be interesting to see how Shough performs this season, and if he plays well, there is a chance the Saints won’t need to take a quarterback in the first round of next year’s draft.
USATSI 26143741 168400517 lowres scaled
May 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) during rookie minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images