The New Orleans Saints did not win many games in 2025, but they may have won something else just as important: recognition. The kind that makes players around the league, and the future ones, start to imagine themselves wearing black and gold.
This became apparent when Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate casually mentioned New Orleans as a place he’d love to play, specifically because of the quarterback who might be throwing him the ball. For a team entering the offseason with the No. 8 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, it felt like a possibility.
Tyler Shough on Ohio State’s WR Carnell Tate’s Interest in Playing for New Orleans
When Carnell Tate appeared on the “Downs 2 Business” podcast with Josh and Caleb Downs, he said, “I just want to go somewhere that’s targeting me. That’s all I can ask for.”
It was a simple answer, but Tate couldn’t help name a couple of quarterbacks who he wanted to play with.
“I’d love to go play with Josh Allen. He can get you the ball. He’s experienced. The Saints with Tyler [Shough], Tyler’s been balling.”
The observation isn’t wrong. Shough’s late-season emergence was a steady thing in a year that otherwise tested patience in New Orleans. After taking over under center, he brought calm to the huddle and offense. He has a score of 73.9 on PFSN’s QBi with a C grade. He ranks 23rd among all quarterbacks this season after having started in nine games.
So when Shough was asked about Tate’s comment and the idea of adding him to the team on “Up & Adams,” he said:
“I’m sure they are aware. They’re doing their due diligence with all of those guys. It’ll be interesting. It’ll be interesting. I know there’s a lot of great prospects. I mean, who knows what position. But yeah, I think we can definitely add a playmaker like [Carnell Tate], for sure.”
Saints QB Tyler Shough responds to Ohio State WR Carnell Tate wanting to play with him:
“We can definitely add a playmaker like him… You can’t go wrong there.” 👀@carnelltate_ | @tylershough2 | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/n4ZU82McS7
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) January 30, 2026
When pressed on whether he’d like to play with Tate specifically, he said:
“Of course. I mean, what he’s been able to do at Ohio State, I think we’ve got the proof of having a really good Ohio State receiver on the roster already. You can’t go wrong there.”
Ohio State receivers, after all, don’t need much of an introduction anymore. In 11 games during the 2025 season, Tate caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 17.2 yards per reception.
For the Saints, that efficiency is important. After using last year’s first-round pick on offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., New Orleans can invest in skill positions.
