The New Orleans Saints’ search for Derek Carr’s successor hit another snag after rookie Tyler Shough struggled badly in Friday’s preseason clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Shough, who was taken 40th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft as the third quarterback, signed a four-year rookie deal worth $9.1 million in July. However, in his second preseason start, the former Louisville quarterback looked far from ready to lead an NFL offense.
A clip from the game showed Shough taking a sack and falling to the ground as he tried to maneuver with the ball in his hand.
Tyler Shough is bad, really bad at football…😬pic.twitter.com/C6YSR2WurG
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 17, 2025
Fans did not hold back online, raising questions on the Saints’ NFL Draft day decision to pass on Shedeur Sanders.
“They passed on Shedeur,” one fan bluntly wrote, referencing the Saints’ controversial decision to bypass Sanders.
“I would much rather have “competitor” Tyler Shough than “entertainer” Shedeur Sanders any day,” an X user lashed out.
“And he was drafted before Sanders 😭🤣” another mocked.
“I know Brandon Weeden when I see him,” one fan said.
“If you’re Arch Manning, do you really want to go #1 next year if it’s the Saints?” another X user warned.
“Give him a chance, Quinn Ewers looked way worse in his debut,” a fan noted.
Following the NFL draft, Derek Carr, the Saints’ starting quarterback, retired, leading to a quarterback competition between Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener.
Saints Insider Disappointed By Tyler Shough’s Mediocre Display in Saints vs. Jaguars Preseason Game
The New Orleans Saints’ quarterback competition remains unsettled, and rookie Tyler Shough did little to strengthen his case in Friday’s preseason clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Making his second straight start, he managed just 66 passing yards while directing only a single scoring drive in the first half.
Local insider Mike Triplett summed up the sentiment bluntly on X, writing,
“Welp. Saints rookie Tyler Shough ends his first-half audition with just three points. Saints will need to have faith in him that goes beyond today’s results if they lean toward him in Week 1.”
Welp. Saints rookie Tyler Shough ends his first-half audition with just three points. Saints will need to have faith in him that goes beyond today’s results if they lean toward him in Week 1.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) August 17, 2025
The miscues were glaring. Shough signed a four-year contract with the team on July 21, 2025. With Spencer Rattler impressing in practice and veteran Jake Haener still lurking, head coach Kellen Moore has yet to name his Week 1 starter. However, Shough’s margin for error in this quarterback competition after Friday’s performance looks narrow.
