The New Orleans Saints entered 2025 with many in the NFL world having low expectations for their future. Critics thought quarterback Tyler Shough was selected too early, the roster had issues throughout, and head coach Kellen Moore was an unproven commodity.
For most of the season, the Saints struggled, but once Shough became the starter, things turned around. Shough took over in Week 8 and led New Orleans to a 5-4 record over the final nine games of the season.
Tyler Shough Named Senior Bowl Hall of Fame Rookie of the Year
Instead of having to search for a starting quarterback in 2026, Shough was able to secure the job, and the future of the team is much brighter because of it.
Shough was clutch when it mattered most, made massive plays throughout games, showed his dual-threat ability, and elevated the entire offense.
With those five victories, Shough broke the Saints franchise record for most wins by a rookie quarterback, surpassing the previous mark held by Archie Manning. His standout first season in the NFL was enough for him to win the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year, which is the fan-vote award. Shough also finished as a finalist for the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, with the award going to Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
While much of the focus is now on 2026, the Senior Bowl, where Shough participated during the 2025 offseason, still had its Rookie of the Year award to present. There were several standout Senior Bowl rookies to choose from, but ultimately, the ROTY award was given to Shough.
Tyler Shough — 2026 Rookie of the Year
Shough took over as the Saints’ starting quarterback midseason and set the Saints franchise record for wins by a rookie QB. He threw for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning All-Rookie honors and Offensive Rookie of the Month in December.… pic.twitter.com/zdC7qChhzu
— Panini Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) March 18, 2026
For Shough, the Senior Bowl was monumental for his career. This is where teams really began to show interest in the quarterback, and for a player viewed as old, reckless under pressure, and having dealt with major injuries, this needed to happen. With the Saints relying on the Senior Bowl as much as they do, Shough’s participation could have been a major factor in their draft process.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
Now, the Saints are devoted to building around Shough, adding running back Travis Etienne Jr. and left guard David Edwards in free agency. Setting Shough up for success in 2026 could put New Orleans in a potential playoff game and make the Saints even more comfortable with him as the franchise quarterback.
