Saints have set Tyler Shough up for success

Nearly every young quarterback entering the NFL is asked to overcome a rough transition practically upon arrival. Offensive lines with holes in them, low-target playmakers, questionable coaching tenures and overblown expectations are almost always woven into the development process early on. 

However, the New Orleans Saints seem to be constructing one of the league's better young-QB environments that Tyler Shough could play in come 2026. New Orleans doesn't appear intent to put the whole burden of a franchise on Shough's shoulders immediately.

Saints improve run game during offseason

Perhaps the biggest reason that Shough may be walking into the ideal situation in New Orleans is the Saints' signing of Travis Etienne Jr. this offseason.

Last season, Etienne carried the ball 240 times for 1,107 yards and seven scores, he had another 292 yards and six scores catching the football out of the backfield. The Saints are in a position where they need reliability in the backfield.

Alvin Kamara was injured last season and carried the ball a career-low 71 times for 471 yards and one touchdown in 11 games. Despite expressing his interest in staying with New Orleans, there is a chance he is not on the roster after June 1.

If Kamara does stay with the Saints, pairing Etienne's youth and explosiveness with his all-around-weapon ability gives the Saints a much more balanced attack than they had last year. Even if Kamara does end up leaving New Orleans, having Etienne as the primary back should still increase the run game production alone. 

What is most significant for Shough is that he will not have to carry the franchise from day one as a full-time starter. This kind of safety net for a young signal-caller can be incredibly important.

Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson another safety net for Tyler Shough

Having an already established veteran wide receiver in Chris Olave on the roster is massive for Tyler Shough in his first year as the starter. Olave recorded 100 catches, for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns during the 2025 season while constantly requiring double teams. 

What makes this situation even more enticing for Shough is the presence of Jordyn Tyson who was considered one of the best available receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead of just having one sure-fire target and multiple questions behind him, Shough comes into this situation with the potential to lead one of the most potent young receiver duos in the NFC.

Tyler Shough has weapons all around him

The Saints are not asking Shough to immediately carry the franchise in his second season. Instead, New Orleans has built one of the better support systems a young quarterback could ask for. 

Between the potential two-headed rushing attack of Kamara and Etienne, the veteran production of Olave and the addition of Tyson, the Saints suddenly have a balanced offense capable of taking pressure off Shough early in his career.

For a young quarterback entering his first full season as a starter, that type of surrounding talent can make a massive difference.