This is one outlet's own report from Newsweek — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. No player in the NFC South enters the 2026 season with more momentum than New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough. After taking over the starting job midway through his rookie season, Shough delivered one of the more impressive late-season stretches by a rookie in years — and now he gets a full offseason and a beefed-up roster to build on it.
Shough, a second-round pick out of Louisville in 2025, didn't take over as the full-time starter until Week 9. From there, he completed 67.6% of his passes for 2,384 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions, posting a 91.3 passer rating that ranked second among all rookie quarterbacks, only narrowly behind Jaxson Dart's 91.7.
He also proved to be a real threat on the ground, adding 186 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, and set a Saints franchise record for wins by a rookie quarterback, going 5-4 as the starter.
With just Spencer Rattler and Zach Wilson sitting behind him on the depth chart, the Saints have made it clear Shough is their guy heading into 2026 — and they've added more pieces around him to make his second season even better.
More news : Chicago Bears Top Breakout Candidate in 2026
More news : Detroit Lions Top Breakout Candidate in 2026
New Orleans brought in rookie playmaker Jordyn Tyson to pair with Chris Olave at receiver, giving Shough two elite young wideouts to lean on weekly. That's before factoring in depth pieces like Devaughn Vele, rookie fourth-rounder Bryce Lance, 2024 second-rounder Ja'Lynn Polk, and pass-catching tight ends Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant.
The backfield is stronger too, with five-time Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara now paired alongside newly acquired Travis Etienne Jr., who's coming off a strong season in Jacksonville with 1,107 rushing yards, 292 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns.
The NFC South is wide open, and a full training camp as the unquestioned starter — plus an upgraded supporting cast — gives Shough every chance to take another leap.
If he can carry his second-half rookie form into a full season, New Orleans may have found its long-term answer at quarterback, and Shough could be one of the breakout stars of the entire league in 2026.
More news : Washington Commanders Top Breakout Candidate in 2026
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.
