dpThis is a story about Tyler Shough, because it almost has to be.
Because since the 2025 season ended, the story has been about the New Orleans Saints quarterback becoming the sun around which the team revolves as he enters his second NFL season, and his first as the unquestioned leader of the offense when the Saints open the season Sunday against the Lions at Ford Field in Detroit.
Shough Mania sparked as ’25 concluded, when he played well enough in a closing stretch to lead New Orleans to a 5-4 record and become a finalist for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. It spread to a raging flame this offseason as Shough assumed the role, responsibility, characteristics and mannerisms of a “face of the franchise” player.
“I wanted to do everything I could to make sure that my teammates knew I had their back and I was going to do everything I could to go out there and perform,” he said. “That showed with me staying here in New Orleans and working out every single day and making sure I was ready to go come OTAs, come training camp. And then also, just being more vocal and being around everybody.
“I wanted to be in New Orleans, I wanted to learn more about the city and I’ve just really come to enjoy it and love it here and also, come to really know and embrace the whole team. I think that’s just another piece in the puzzle of what we’re building and I know for my job and my continual growth, I’m going to keep doing everything I can in my aspect of leadership.”
The immersion was total for the former second-round pick (No. 40 overall in ’25). From parades to practice and all points between — heavy media schedule, team ambassador trip to Paris, appearance with the Savannah Bananas, Zurich Classic celebrity shootout — there always has been the lead title of “Saints quarterback.”
Teammates say it was important for Shough to dive in to his expanding role.
