The New Orleans Saints seem pretty set on their quarterback for the offseason. Unlike many teams, they’re not really looking to shake things up in that position.
Tyler Shaw, the second-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, has won over the organization. Initially not the starter, he took over the role from Spencer Rattler and finished with a 5-4 record in nine starts, putting him in the running for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
His performance helped the Saints to clinch four consecutive victories, which certainly caught the attention of head coach Kellen Moore. “Tyler has really excelled throughout this whole experience,” Moore remarked. “He’s improved a lot and has made the most of his chances. Having a full offseason to develop him is exciting for us.”
Shaw was highly regarded on draft boards last April, though some raised eyebrows about his years in college football. He played for three seasons at Oregon Tech and Texas Tech before finishing up at the University of Louisville in 2024. At 25, he was relatively old for a rookie, but the Saints recognized they were in need of a fresh quarterback following Derek Carr’s retirement.
While Rattler won the training camp battle initially, a tough season with a 1-7 record led the team to pivot to Shaw.
The Saints have been careful not to rush Shaw’s development. When they felt he was ready, they didn’t hesitate to give him the spotlight. “Your greatest strength can sometimes be a weakness, so I’m just trying to be patient,” noted Saints GM Mickey Loomis. However, he also expressed optimism about Tyler’s future. “We’re excited, but we must remember he hasn’t started a full season yet. We’re approaching next season with high hopes, and that’s completely acceptable.”
After nine starts, Shaw has recorded 2,384 passing yards, with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. He completed around 67.6 percent of his 327 pass attempts, showing some promise but also highlighting that there’s still room for growth.
