The New Orleans Saints open 2025 training camp, officially starting the Tyler Shough era. See how the rookie QB is taking charge under coach Kellen Moore.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The post-Carr era has officially begun in New Orleans. As the Saints opened training camp on Wednesday, all the buzz and attention centered on one player: rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. With his four-year contract officially inked, the second-round pick is not just a participant; he's the presumptive leader of the offense, tasked with ushering in a new chapter for the franchise.
His ability to play the quarterback position, to play multiple other positions is really rare in this league. It's going to be a huge advantage for us.
Head Coach Kellen Moore wasted no time setting the tone, confirming that Shough will take the majority of first-team reps from day one. The Saints solidified their commitment by signing Shough to his rookie deal just before camp, a clear signal that they are all-in on his development. Moore praised the rookie's rare versatility, hinting at a creative and dynamic offense designed to leverage his unique skills. While the QB competition is technically 'open,' the message is clear: the keys to the offense are Shough's to lose.
It's not just the offense getting a facelift. The Saints defense, a source of frustration in 2024, is buzzing with new energy under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. Rookie linebacker Danny Stutsman, a tackling machine from Oklahoma with 109 tackles last season, lauded the new scheme's emphasis on communication and aggression. 'It's a complete 180,' Stutsman noted. 'We're going to be flying around and making plays.' With Stutsman competing for a starting role, the defense is aiming for a major turnaround built on a new philosophy and fresh talent.
For the youth movement to succeed, the veteran core must be healthy. Coach Moore provided an optimistic update on two crucial pieces: offensive tackle Terron Armstead and tight end Foster Moreau. Both are progressing well in their rehab, and the team is hopeful for their return early in the season. Their leadership, along with that of stars like Chris Olave and Demario Davis, will be the bedrock upon which this new-look Saints team builds its 2025 campaign.
Despite the major changes, expectations are surprisingly high. ESPN's initial preseason rankings place the Saints at the top of the NFC South. While it's only paper talk for a 0-0 team, it speaks to the perceived potential of this roster. The division is considered wide open, and the Saints' success will hinge directly on how quickly Shough adapts to the NFL and whether Staley's defense can become a dominant force once again. The path is there, but it's filled with question marks.
Amidst the on-field preparations, the organization continues to strengthen its community ties. The Saints recently hosted over 200 local coaches for a USA Football youth certification clinic. The event, which featured players and staff, underscores the team's commitment to growing the game at the grassroots level in the New Orleans area, reinforcing that the Saints' impact extends far beyond the Superdome.
The pieces are in place, the contracts are signed, and the pads are about to start popping. The next few weeks will be crucial. All eyes will be on Tyler Shough's development, the chemistry on Staley's new defense, and the health of the veteran core. The journey to reclaim the NFC South crown starts now, and it promises to be one of the most intriguing seasons in recent memory.
