Breaking: Saints Sign Tyler Shough to Fully Guaranteed $10.8 M Deal—Is He New Orleans’ Next Franchise QB?

Tyler Shough, the New Orleans Saints’ second-round quarterback pick, has officially signed a four-year, $10.795 million rookie contract that is fully guaranteed, ending the team’s last outstanding draft-pick negotiation and clearing the way for the former Texas Tech and Oregon star to participate without restrictions when training camp opens next week. Shough’s deal also includes an annual roster-bonus structure—an uncommon concession for a Day-2 selection—which his agent, Erik Burkhardt, called “a precedent-setting commitment to the quarterback of the future.” The agreement aligns Shough’s financial security with other highly drafted signal-callers and underscores the franchise’s belief that he can challenge for meaningful snaps as early as 2025. Early traction in camp Head coach Dennis Allen has praised Shough’s “football IQ and quick release,” noting that the 6-foot-5 passer has already impressed during offseason installs with his command of Pete Carmichael’s play-action concepts. The Saints plan to give Shough extended run with the second team during preseason games, and a strong August could elevate him to primary backup status behind veteran Derek Carr. Fit within the Saints’ evolving offense New Orleans has spent the summer retooling its scheme to emphasize run-pass options and vertical shots—two areas where Shough excelled while throwing for 2,975 yards and 26 touchdowns in his final season at Texas Tech. Wideouts Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed have welcomed the added deep-ball dimension, while tight end Juwan Johnson called Shough’s touch “NFL-ready.” Cap ramifications and roster ripple effects Because the contract is fully guaranteed, Shough’s cap hits are evenly spread at roughly $2.7 million per year, a manageable figure that lets the Saints allocate resources to bolster the offensive line ahead of Week 1. The signing also ignites competition among depth quarterbacks Jake Haener and Kellen Mond; one of them could land on the practice squad if Shough cements the No. 2 spot. What’s next Shough will report to rookie check-in on July 22, with full-squad practices beginning July 24. Fans will get their first in-stadium look at the 24-year-old during the preseason opener against the Houston Texans on August 10. If his rapid development continues, the “Who Dat” nation may see a quarterback succession plan materialize sooner than expected.