Derek Carr announcing his retirement took the entire NFL landscape by storm. A 13-year veteran, Carr was producing at his regular rate as early as last season before injuries forced an end to his season. Expected to be the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints in the 2025 season, his retirement has put those plans in jeopardy.
Now, the onus falls on the rest of the locker room, barring any changes, to pick up the signal-calling duties. Both Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener, with their three combined years of experience, serve as the “veterans” on the team. Apart from the two, rookie pickup Tyler Shough is the other option. But where does New Orleans go?
Tyler Shough Could Start From Week 1 in Rookie Campaign
At the time of the draft, Carr’s status for the 2025 season was still unclear. But the prevailing notion was that he would return as the starter while Shough develops for the time being, at least in his first season.
However, the retirement has clearly led to a change in those plans. Either Rattler or Haener could theoretically take over as the starting quarterback, but in the Saints’ best interest, Shough might be the QB to go with.
Last season, in non-Carr games, they went winless in seven contests. Do not expect that number to change with Rattler or Haener as the man behind center.
While Shough doesn’t necessarily guarantee an upgrade over those numbers, a bad season would land them in the same position with a premium draft pick in 2026, and the jury on Shough already settled.
However, if the move ends up being a success, the Saints could have their quarterback of the future on a rookie-scale deal. Already, the timing of the Carr announcement has given New Orleans significant help with their salary cap, something no Saints fan might have heard in the last half-decade.
As a 25-year-old with six years of experience at the collegiate level, there aren’t many rookies better suited to take on the task than Shough.
In his final year at Louisville as the starting quarterback, he did tally 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns, earning himself a selection in the second round with the 40th overall pick. So far, New Orleans hasn’t made any decision, at least publicly.
If he does indeed emerge as QB1 at the start of the season, it is likely that Shough will be the only other rookie starter outside of Cam Ward in Tennessee, with all other rookie quarterbacks having a host of veterans on the roster.