Tyler Shough quickly climbed draft boards in the build-up to the 2025 NFL draft, and he was drafted as the future starter by a team looking for their franchise quarterback.
The New Orleans Saints selected Shough 40th overall in the early second round of the draft, prioritizing the Louisville quarterback over other team needs. Newly-appointed head coach Kellen Moore believes he could be the franchise’s future, and will now look to develop the 25-year-old rookie in New Orleans.
Shough spent six seasons playing college football, initially committing to the Oregon Ducks. He spent three seasons at Texas Tech before his final breakout year at Louisville.
What Is Tyler Shough’s Salary and Net Worth?
Per Spotrac, Shough is projected to sign a four-year, $10,793,226 contract with the Saints after being drafted 40th overall.
As the Saints didn’t select him in the drafts first round, he won’t be eligible for a 5th year option. After four seasons in the league, Shough will be a free agent, unless the team offers him an extension beforehand.
Shough’s signing bonus was $4,489,622, while his annual earnings will be $2,698,307.
Shough’s NIL Deals and Valuation
On3 Sports shows that Shough signed various NIL deals during his college career.
The quarterback posted about his partnership with Raising Cane’s on Instagram in 2023. It was also revealed that Shough’s puppy, a golden retriever named Murphy, was part of an NIL deal with WagBNB, a doggy daycare business out of Lubbock, Texas.
Shough has over 42,000 followers on Twitter and Instagram combined, including many Saints fans now curious about their new quarterback.
After being selected with the 40th pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Shough will now battle it out with Derek Carr and Spencer Rattler for the starting quarterback position with the Saints.
Carr, who is currently signed to a $160 million contract in New Orleans, could miss the 2025 season with a shoulder injury that may require surgery. No further information had been released about that injury in the lead-up to the draft, but if Shough earns his place early, Carr’s time with the franchise could be cut short.
Spencer Rattler started six games in Carr’s absence in 2024, throwing four touchdowns and five interceptions. Kellen Moore now brings in his own quarterback via the draft, with a vision to implement his system in New Orleans.
The first-time head coach has worked with Dak Prescott in Dallas, Justin Herbert in Los Angeles, and Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia, where he won a Super Bowl as the team’s offensive coordinator.