The New Orleans Saints finally checked off a key offseason task recently. Inking quarterback Tyler Shough to his rookie contract had become a dark cloud over this portion of the offseason for the black and gold. Now, we know that Shough's deal has some intriguing parts to it as well.
Unique contract structure for Saints QB Tyler Shough
According to Nick Underhill, Tyler Shough's contract includes a unique piece to it when it comes to a benefit for the rookie. Shough will not have a base salary paid out over the course of the season, but he will instead have league minimum base salaries. The remainder will be in the form of a roster bonus paid all at once.
Tyler Shough got a nice little benefit in his contract. Value works out the same, but instead of having a base salary paid out over several months, he will have league minimum base salaries and the rest will be a roster bonus paid out all at once each year. A little QB benefit. -- Nick Underhill
This will allow a bit more year-long flexibility for the quarterback, and he will get a large lump sum at some point annually. Shough's contract is fully-guaranteed, joining many other second-round picks in that department.
This sort of contract caveat does not guarantee a thing for the young QB when it comes to a starting role, though. He still must go out there and beat Spencer Rattler in a QB competition over the next month and a half for New Orleans. Rattler is determined to get another shot, but Shough is hungry for his opportunity as well.
We will see how the battle shakes out for Kellen Moore's offense. Regardless, the Saints organization and Shough's camp created a unique deal for the 40th overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.