The New Orleans Saints came out of the 2025 season with a lot of confidence in rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. He didn’t play the full season, but they saw enough to believe in Shough as the future of the franchise.
In Kellen Moore’s offense, Shough thrived, and the goal was clear this offseason: get Shough as much help as possible for the 2026 season and beyond.
With mandatory minicamps getting underway, ESPN’s Dan Graziano asked the Saints a tough, but fair, question of whether they actually surrounded Shough with the best weapons possible.
Saints hope to have surrounded Tyler Shough enough this offseason
“Have the Saints put enough players around Tyler Shough to contend already?” Graziano writes.
While the Saints, who finished last in the NFC South last season, might not seem like a team that could contend right away, in a weak division, it’s entirely possible.
If the Saints’ defense isn’t terrible, the big question will be if the offense around Shough is good enough to compete with the top offenses around the league.
With the addition of David Edwards, the offensive line should be talented enough to protect Shough and pave running lanes for new running back Travis Etienne Jr.
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Add in the first-round selection of Jordyn Tyson, along with the returning Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele, and a few other decent depth options, and this wide receiver room is fairly strong for the Saints.
Oscar Delp, Noah Fant, and Juwan Johnson make up the tight end options, which is a solid room with upside and a stable veteran floor.
The offseason additions made by the Saints after a promising rookie year should give Shough the runway needed to become a quality starting QB in the NFL.
Mickey Loomis and company hope they have resolved this big Shough question this offseason, as surrounding their second-year QB with talent as they did is the only thing stopping this team from being a playoff contender.