The New Orleans Saints are moving into a new era, with Tyler Shough set as their franchise quarterback. NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe broke down the situation on “Good Morning Football,” and his message was simple: This is Shough’s team, full stop.
Saints Hope Tyler Shough Can Turn NFC South Opportunity Into Success
“There’s no longer a quarterback question in the post-Drew Brees era,” Wolfe said. That’s a big statement for a franchise that spent the last few seasons searching for its next great quarterback after Brees retired.
But Wolfe pointed to one specific move that shows Shough is ready to step into that role. He reached out to Brees himself to help set up a quarterback and receiver retreat this offseason.
The plan brings together an estimated 18 of Shough’s teammates for a throwing session in San Diego. Wolfe explained the thinking behind it: “The idea is, ‘Hey, let’s bond. I’ll pick up the tab. I want to build this team. I want to build the connection.'”
Shough, who posted an impact score of 74.6 on PFN’s QB Impact Metric last season, confirmed the details himself, giving credit to Brees for helping put it together.
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“Drew is kinda helping us set up our QB/wide receiver throwing retreat,” Shough said. “We’re getting all the guys to come down there and just work and bond together.”
For Shough, though, the retreat is only part of the process. He’s still locked in on the fundamentals. “For me, it’s just kind of continuing to study the playbook and then just put my feet and my eyes in the right position. That’s my whole focus,” he said.
As for Brees, his role in the retreat will be more of a mentor’s touch than a full presence. Shough told ESPN’s Katherine Terrell that Brees “might be there for a little bit,” but the real purpose is for the current roster to build chemistry heading into camp.
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There’s real momentum behind this approach. Shough took over as the starter in Week 9 last season, and the Saints won four of their final six games under him. Now he gets to carry that progress into a full offseason as the guy in charge.
Few divisions look more competitive heading into the 2026 season than the NFC South. Last year, the Panthers, Buccaneers, and Falcons all finished with eight wins, while the Saints weren’t far behind at six, leaving just a two-game gap between first and last.
The Saints will be hoping to bridge that gap with their first-choice QB seemingly locked and loaded for the next season.
Wolfe also touched on the weapons Shough will have around him this year. Rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson has already turned heads, and Shough compared him to a “hooper” during an appearance on Chris Long’s podcast, praising his ability to make plays.
Wolfe went a step further, suggesting Tyson could end up being a “carbon copy” of Chris Olave, who is expected to be fully healthy this season.
Add in Travis Etienne Jr. in the backfield, and the Saints suddenly look like they have legitimate playmakers surrounding their young quarterback. That kind of talent could go a long way in speeding up Shough’s development.
On the other side of the ball, things look a little different. New Orleans has brought in fresh faces on defense, though the return of veteran Cam Jordan gives the unit some continuity.
“They brought Cam Jordan back, but they got to figure out how they rebrand this thing, but it’ll all be on the quarterback and a wide-open NFC South,” he said.
Wolfe believes the Saints’ season will hinge on Shough. And with the NFC South wide open, there’s a real opportunity for New Orleans to make some noise if their young quarterback delivers.
