New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough was thrust into the starting role after Derek Carr’s unexpected May retirement due to a shoulder injury. The 25-year-old second-round pick discussed his transition from backup to starter during a June interview on the “St. Brown Podcast” with Amon-Ra and Equanimeous St. Brown.
Tyler Shough Gets Unexpected Shot at Saints Starting Job After Derek Carr’s Sudden Retirement Opens Door
Shough played for three schools over his seven years in college, finishing at Louisville in 2024. He backed up Justin Herbert at Oregon for his first two years, then injuries kept him from playing a full season until he arrived at Louisville.
He posted 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2024 and parlayed that performance into becoming a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. New Orleans took Shough with the 40th overall pick, hoping he’d eventually replace Carr.
That opportunity came faster than expected when Carr retired in May due to a torn labrum and degenerative rotator cuff changes. Shough is now projected to start, and he discussed his reaction to Carr’s retirement with the St. Brown brothers.
Shough said, “Kellen [Moore] told me before they announced it at practice, which was good. I had media later that day, so didn’t want to go in blind. Opportunity just sticks in my head. I think it would have been great just because of who he is and how high of a level he’s played, to come in and learn from.
“I’ve been carted off the field, I’ve been booed, I’ve been MVP, I’ve been a starter, I’ve been a backup to [Justin] Herbert. Throw some s**t at me. You’re not gonna phase me if we start of 0-2, or I f*****g suck. It’s going to be fine. That’s why I was so excited about the opportunity.”
Shough is not your typical NFL rookie at 25. Amon-Ra pointed out that he and Shough were in the same high school graduating class, but he’s going into his fifth season while Shough is entering his first.
He’s been handed the keys to the Saints’ offense, which is looking to rebound after a disappointing 2024 season when Carr was sidelined multiple times.
Shough Faces Pressure to Revive Saints Offense After Carr’s Injury-Plagued 2024 Season
New Orleans got off to a historic start in 2024, going 2-0 while scoring 91 total points in the first two weeks. The Saints then lost three straight, and Carr missed three games with an oblique injury. The team went 3-2 after Carr’s return, but he was lost for the season in Week 14 with a concussion and fractured left hand after New Orleans was already eliminated from playoff contention.
Carr played well in his 10 starts in 2024, but Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener couldn’t keep the team afloat during his seven-game absence, and New Orleans finished 5-12.
Shough and new head coach Kellen Moore are the major changes to New Orleans’ offense for the 2025 season. Moore believed enough in Shough to select him high in the draft, and it’s now on the rookie to perform.
He seems up for the challenge based on his comments to the St. Brown brothers, but Shough will have to prove himself on the field.