The New Orleans Saints were projected by many to target a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft before the Derek Carr shoulder injury saga, and this latest twist of fate has made it seem more likely than ever that Kellen Moore will target a signal-caller.

Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders has been a popular pick at No. 9 overall, though Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart has been rising and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe isn’t going away. One option who could end up in New Orleans, however, might be enough to ruin the Moore era.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough is a name that is gaining steam in recent weeks, with Russini even hinting that the former Oregon and Texas Tech transfer could be taken in the first round if his rise continues.

Shough is absolutely worth a pick on Day 2 of the Draft, but he should go in the third round. If the Saints pick him at No. 9 after the Carr injury, get ready for a very brutal 2025 season.

Saints could draft Tyler Shough after Derek Carr injury news

First, the good. Shough has a rocket arm, some surprising playmaking ability out of the pocket, and tremendous accuracy when kept clean. According to Russini, one head coach would even take Shough over projected No. 1 pick Cam Ward. There is clearly an avenue where he is a successful starter due to his physical talent.

Now, the bad. Shough, who was in the same recruiting class as five-year veterans Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields, has played more than seven games just once in seven college seasons, never breaking out until his final year. Shough, who will turn 26 in his rookie season, struggles mightily when pressured in the pocket and has lackluster mechanics.

The Saints would be obligated to play Shough right away, as he will be 30 by the time his rookie deal expires. While this isn’t in Brandon Weeden or Chris Weinke territory, New Orleans needs to ask itself why it took until Shough was six years older than many of the defensive backs he was playing against to impress NFL scouts.

If the Saints want to use the No. 9 pick on Sanders, that makes a ton of sense. Even trading up to the late first-round for Dart or waiting until the second round for Jalen Milroe could be worth pursuing. Shough is just too much of a risk at that point in the draft.