Tyler Shough Takes Over ... Cuz What Else are Saints Gonna Do

What They're Saying

Luke Johnson of NOLA.com: "[Shough] did some nice things after taking over for Spencer Rattler late in the third quarter of a 23-3 loss, even if an unremarkable 17-for-30, 128-yard statistical line doesn't back that up. There were also miscues and head-scratching moments that made Shough look like a rookie playing on a 1-7 team. But in totality, the performance was not an embarrassment. And for a team that is currently in line to have the No. 1 pick in next year's draft, it is probably worth getting a more extended look at Shough in the second half of the season." 

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

That's a much better summation of what's going on here than any reporter who gives you some version of, "The future is now!"

Shough landed with the Saints in Round 2 -- 40th overall -- after seven college seasons spread across three schools. He reached 200 pass attempts in just one of those, primarily thanks to myriad injuries.

So now New Orleans gets a raw, 26-year-old rookie taking over an offense that has ranked among the league's worst this season. And that's with Rattler actually producing better than anyone (at least outside of Louisiana) expected.

Shough brings good size, a big arm, and deceptive mobility. But it'll be an upset if he presents any meaningful fantasy value the rest of the way. We'll see about his impact on other Saints skill-position players. But we're not upgrading Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara, or anyone else for this switch.

Dynasty Impact

This extended look should also give dynasty players a chance to see if Shough carries any long-term upside.

Given his aforementioned age and the perpetual rebuilding-while-refusing-to-admit-it status of his franchise, consider looking for opportunities to sell the young guy if he delivers a positive fantasy outing.