Tyler Shough DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who is firmly in the battle for the QB1 job, had an "encouraging performance" during Thursday's OTA practice. "Shough showed it today," Saints reporter Nick Underhill wrote. "Hit two bombs for TDs, real nice layered throw going to the sideline and had an incomplete pass on the move that barely missed but athleticism flashed." The 25-year-old is likely the favorite to be the Week 1 starter in Kellen Moore's new offense after the sudden retirement of Derek Carr (shoulder), so the positive report is promising. Shough was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after tossing for 7,820 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions in 42 collegiate games with Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville. He also scored 11 career rushing touchdowns. Shough is no stranger to learning a new system on the fly, so he could exceed relatively low expectations in Year 1.

If New Orleans Saints rookie second-round quarterback Tyler Shough wins the team's QB competition this offseason and starts in Week 1 this fall, he would be the first Week 1 rookie starter for the organization since Archie Manning did it in 1971 after being taken second overall out of Ole Miss. After Derek Carr's abrupt retirement, Shough will be competing with Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener (oblique) for the starting gig under center after being taken 40th overall in the second round in April. He's the third-highest QB selection for the Saints in their history after taking Manning at No. 2 overall and Bo Burris at 27th overall in 1967. Perhaps giving Shough a leg up is the fact that he's old for a rookie -- he will turn 26 on Sept. 28 after seven seasons in college. Considering his draft status, Shough is considered the early favorite to win the job. If he does, he'll be a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues.

New Orleans Saints quarterbacks Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler have been splitting first-team reps at OTAs this offseason, according to head coach Kellen Moore. Shough, who spent time at three universities over seven years in college, was the team's second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Rattler was a fifth-round pick in last year's draft and appeared in seven games last season, completing 57% of his passes for 1,317 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions. Shough should be viewed as the favorite to win the starting job, but the Saints' staff likely wants him to "earn" it. It's worth noting that 2023 draft pick Jake Haener (oblique) is dealing with an injury suffered earlier this week. Even if Shough exceeds expectations as a rookie, it would be surprising if he's on the fantasy football radar in single-QB setups.