Tyler Shough Talks 'Opportunity' Available for Saints QB1 Job After Derek Carr Retires

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough discussed the team's vacant starting job following the recent retirement of veteran Derek Carr.

"That's all you can ask for is an opportunity, at any position," Shough said, per John DeShazier of the team's official website. "And I'm going to treat it the same way, as if whoever is on the roster, I've got to continue to grow and get better and do my best to elevate the QB room and the team."

"For me, I was going to come in regardless of him being here or not and try and continue to grow," he added. "I think he's been such a high-level player for so long, I think it would be a great opportunity to learn from him. It's also a great opportunity to grow myself and be on this team with a lot of great coaches and guys on the team that we have already. I'm just excited for what's forward and the rest of our offseason."

Carr announced his decision to retire from the NFL at the age of 34 on Saturday, noting that his choice was affected by a shoulder injury that consisted of a labral tear as well as "significant degenerative changes" to his rotator cuff.

Now, Shough is a top candidate to earn New Orleans' Week 1 starting job after the team selected him with the No. 40 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

The 25-year-old was efficient during his final college season at Louisville, completing 62.7 percent of his throws for 3,195 yards and 23 touchdowns compared to six interceptions.

Shough will compete with Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler for the top spot on the Saints' depth chart in 2025. Haener and Rattler combined to start seven games for New Orleans last season, but the team finished with a record of 0-7 in those contests.

Shough may have an early edge in the position battle, receiving praise from Saints head coach Kellen Moore for his performance at the team's rookie minicamp.

"Tyler hopped in here and did an excellent job," Moore said, via DeShazier. "For all these guys, a lot of times in rookie minicamp I'm not as concerned about the physical component – we've probably evaluated that, we see it on the field a little bit – but just how they're prepared mentally. I thought he's done an excellent job."

With Carr stepping away from the NFL, Shough could find himself under center when New Orleans opens the 2025 regular season.