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Saints Sign Quarterback Tyler Shough for Depth

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, March 25th 2026 at 8:07 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

New Orleans, LA - March 25th, 2026 - In a move signaling continued roster refinement, the New Orleans Saints announced the signing of quarterback Tyler Shough on Tuesday. General Manager Mickey Loomis, known for his strategic team building, is clearly focused on fortifying all positions as the team prepares for the 2026 NFL season. The addition of Shough provides crucial depth behind established starters Derek Carr and the developing Jake Haener.

Shough, a former highly-touted recruit and fourth-round pick (110th overall) of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Draft, arrives in New Orleans looking for an opportunity to finally break into regular season play. Despite being selected relatively early for a player who hasn't seen game action, Shough's collegiate career at Oregon demonstrated a skillset that intrigued NFL scouts. He possesses a strong arm, good mobility, and the potential to make plays both inside and outside the pocket. While at Oregon, he showcased flashes of brilliance, earning Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week honors multiple times and leading the Ducks to a Fiesta Bowl appearance in 2020.

However, his transition to the professional level has been slow. He spent the past two seasons navigating the Jaguars' practice squad and active roster, constantly learning the nuances of the NFL game but never getting the nod from the coaching staff. This lack of game experience is a significant hurdle, but the Saints' front office seemingly believes they can unlock Shough's potential.

The Saints' quarterback room is currently headed by Derek Carr, who is entering his second season in the Crescent City. While Carr showed moments of promise in 2025, consistency was an issue, leading the team to explore all avenues for improvement. Haener, a young quarterback drafted in 2023, is also vying for playing time and is viewed as a potential future starter. Adding Shough isn't necessarily about replacing Carr or Haener, but rather creating a competitive environment and ensuring the team isn't vulnerable if injuries occur - a critical consideration in the demanding NFL landscape.

The signing of Shough is particularly noteworthy given the evolving landscape of quarterback play in the NFL. Teams increasingly value quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs, and Shough's athleticism fits that mold. While Carr is primarily a pocket passer, and Haener is developing in that area, Shough offers a different dimension to the position. He's not a dual-threat quarterback in the mold of a Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes, but his ability to escape pressure and make throws on the move could be a valuable asset.

Several analysts have commented on the Saints' approach this offseason. "Loomis is always thinking three or four steps ahead," noted ESPN's Mike Triplett. "He's not afraid to take chances on players with upside, even if they haven't quite panned out elsewhere. Shough is a low-risk, high-reward signing. If he develops, great. If not, the Saints haven't invested a significant amount of resources."

The Saints' coaching staff, led by Coach Dennis Allen, will be tasked with evaluating Shough's progress and tailoring a development plan to maximize his strengths. The offseason program, including organized team activities (OTAs) and training camp, will be crucial in determining whether Shough can compete for a roster spot and potentially contribute to the team's success.

Looking ahead, the Saints are aiming to build on their 2025 season and contend for a playoff berth in 2026. A strong quarterback room is paramount to achieving that goal, and the addition of Tyler Shough represents a calculated move to bolster the team's depth and future potential. The competition at the quarterback position will undoubtedly be fierce, but the Saints are confident that they have assembled a group capable of leading the team to success.