NFL Draft News: Saints Host Potential Franchise QB Following Derek Carr Injury

The New Orleans Saints could be in the market for a quarterback with Derek Carr’s status uncertain, and Louisville’s Tyler Shough could be the next man to suit up in the black and gold. Carr entered the offseason with an uncertain future, as trade rumors surrounded the longtime veteran. Eventually, New Orleans restructured his contract, signaling they’d keep him around for 2025 but could part ways in 2026. Fast-forward a few months and insiders around the league reported that Carr could miss the season with a shoulder injury.

Carr may not be an MVP-caliber quarterback, but he’s still a solid starter who could carry the right team to the postseason. Without him, the Saints only have former fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler, who didn’t do all that much while filling in for Carr last year. First-year head coach Kellen Moore will look for a new quarterback, and Tyler Shough is apparently on the Saints radar. According to Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com, the team brought in the Louisville quarterback for a top-30 visit.

REPORT: Saints Bring In Tyler Shough For NFL Draft Visit Following Derek Carr Injury

Let’s get this out of the way: the New Orleans Saints will not use their first-round pick on Tyler Shough. While the Louisville product has some positive traits, nobody will use a first-round pick on a 26-year-old prospect with no NFL experience. Shough’s age is a major red flag, as was his inability to stay healthy throughout his collegiate tenure. However, when looking just at his film, it’s easy to see why he’s been one of the biggest risers throughout the pre-draft process.

While he doesn’t have the same elite arm strength as guys like Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes, Shough has an NFL-caliber arm and can reach all three levels of the field. He’s not afraid to take risks, and his ability to put the ball through tight windows usually leads to a big play. All in all, there are more than enough positive plays to suggest he could turn into something at the professional level.

Unfortunately, age and injuries aren’t the only thing keeping him out of the top 10. The Louisville product is a streaky player, capable of looking like a franchise quarterback and a guy who couldn’t sniff the UFL on consecutive drives. In theory, good coaching could fix this, but the fact he’s played this long and still lacks consistency suggests this is just who he is. Additionally, Tyler Shough struggles against pressure, which could make him a disastrous fit for the Saints offensive line.

Where Could New Orleans Draft Him?

Tyler Shough benefits from being in one of the worst draft classes in recent memory. With Miami’s Cam Ward all but locked into the first-overall pick, the Saints will have to settle for Colorado’s Sheduer Sanders or Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart if they select a passer with their first-round pick. Both players would have been the QB7 in last year’s draft, so reaching for a relatively poor prospect might not be wise.

The Saints should consider using their first-round pick on an elite non-quarterback prospect and drafting Tyler Shough in the second or third round. If he shows promise as a rookie, then he can keep the starting job in 2026. If he doesn’t, New Orleans will probably have a top-five pick and can invest in a better quarterback during the 2026 NFL Draft.