Saints signal new era by drafting QB Tyler Shough
04/26/2025
By Ross Jackson
It looks like the New Orleans Saints are ready to turn the page on their Derek Carr era.
The veteran quarterback and his team have been reportedly at odds over a series of issues. Firstly, the veteran quarterback is managing a shoulder injury that puts his 2025 season in doubt. However, there has been speculation that the situation is truly a ploy by Carr to force his way out of New Orleans for good.
Additionally, there have also been reports that Carr pursued and did not receive a raise, per SI’s Albert Breer. It is possible that this is the disagreement that led to Carr wanting out.
As tensions between the team and player linger, the Saints made a smart move that signals their intent to move forward with or without the 12-year veteran.
With the No. 40 overall selection in this year’s draft, the Saints selected Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough.
Kellen Moore on QB Tyler Shough#SaintsDraft pic.twitter.com/Cvuc2dqWJb
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) April 26, 2025
Say what you want about the player, his age, or his career, but the selection of Shough sends a clear message: the Saints are ready to turn the page.
Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed with reporters that the team still did not have clarity on the situation with Carr before drafting Shough. Despite not having that information, the team still made the decision to follow through and prepare for its potential next era.
The selection of Shough in general is a signal. But making him, in the midst of this embattled situation, the highest drafted passer since one of the franchise’s most important names, Archie Manning, who was drafted in 1971 only magnifies the intensity.
New Orleans has made it clear to the NFL world: they’re ready to move on from Carr, whether that’s with Shough leading the way or second-year QB Spencer Rattler. Perhaps this move will expedite the team’s search for a resolution.
This is a good situation for New Orleans, which should be looking to turn the page on its previous identity and allow Moore to build, install and foster his own. Now, he can choose to do so with his handpicked quarterback.