The New Orleans Saints signed rookie QB Tyler Shough to a historic guaranteed deal in July 2025, setting up a fierce QB battle with Haener and Rattler. Learn more.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Forget the usual pre-training camp buzz. The New Orleans Saints just sent a shockwave through the NFL by signing rookie quarterback Tyler Shough to a historic four-year, $10.795 million fully guaranteed contract. The move, featuring an unprecedented roster bonus structure for a non-first-round pick, isn't just a signing—it's a declaration. The Saints believe they have their franchise quarterback, and the battle to lead Kellen Moore's new-look offense just got white-hot.
That experience—that toughness—is what makes him different.
The Saints didn't just sign Tyler Shough; they made him the last player in the 2025 draft class to secure a fully guaranteed deal, a testament to the front office's conviction. This contract is more than money; it's a massive vote of confidence in a player who battled through multiple collegiate injuries to be named the College Sports Communicators Comeback Player of the Year. A former Louisville assistant summed up the team's belief, noting Shough's resilience. The Saints aren't just hoping he's good; they're betting on his proven toughness to translate to the pro level and solve their long-standing quarterback question.
Shough's massive deal officially turns the quarterback room into a three-man royal rumble. Both Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler, who shared snaps and struggles in 2024 following Derek Carr's departure, are now facing a rookie armed with a huge contract and seven years of college experience. The anticipation is palpable. If Shough can win the job, he'd be the first Saints rookie to start Week 1 since the legendary Archie Manning in 1971. All eyes will be on new head coach Kellen Moore as he evaluates the trio and decides who will command his offense.
While the offense grabs the headlines, the defense is quietly building its own narrative. Rookie linebacker Danny Stutsman, coming off a 109-tackle season at Oklahoma, is already praising the changes under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. 'This defense is ready to surprise people this year,' Stutsman said, expressing excitement about the new 3-4 scheme. After a disappointing 2024, the unit looks to rebound with Stutsman joining a mix of seasoned veterans like Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis and new additions like safety Justin Reid and corner Isaac Yiadom. A return to form on defense could be the perfect complement to a revitalized offense.
It all comes to a head at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. The team officially announced its 2025 Training Camp schedule, presented by Rouses Markets, which will be the first under Coach Moore. Fans will have their chance to see the new era unfold live. The two biggest storylines are clear: the intense quarterback competition and the installation of Brandon Staley's 3-4 defense. Every practice, every rep will be scrutinized as the team builds its new identity.
With the ink dry on Shough's deal and the camp schedule set, the pieces are in place for one of the most intriguing Saints training camps in recent memory. We're heading into the season 0-0 and atop the NFC South, but the real race starts now. Will the massive gamble on a rookie quarterback pay off? Can the defense rebound and become a dominant force again? The answers will start to emerge under the hot Louisiana sun, and we'll be watching every step of the way.
