Saints make shocking decision by drafting QB older than eight 2024 Week 1 starters

Of the 2024 season's 32 Week 1 starting quarterbacks, Shough is older than eight, including 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who is negotiating his second NFL contract.

Shough is also eight days older than Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the 2021 NFL Draft's No. 1 overall pick.

Shough is also older than Anthony Richardson, Bo Nix, Jayden Daniels, Bryce Young, Caleb Williams and C.J. Stroud.

While the Saints needed to add a quarterback with Derek Carr (eight years older than Shough, in case you were wondering) uncertain for Week 1 because of a shoulder injury, Shough doesn't inspire much confidence.

It's harder to fathom considering Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was also available.

Shough has a troubling injury history. He broke his collarbone in 2021 and 2022 and his fibula in 2023, which limited him to 15 games over those three seasons.

During his seven-year collegiate career, Shough appeared in 42 games, going 599-of-951 (63 percent) for 7,820 yards (8.2 yards per attempt), 59 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.

He's a creative thrower, capable of making stunning plays off-script, such as this touchdown toss against Notre Dame, which ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes shared.

Shough, who's right-handed, rolled out to his left, turned his hips and flicked the ball to his receiver in the back of the end zone.

Before the draft, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller spoke with WGNO-New Orleans' Richie Mills about Shough, and Miller shared a positive assessment.

"He is the one quarterback in this class, after Cam Ward, that gives you pro tools," Miller said. "He has a big arm, he has pretty good mobility ... enough to where he can move around in the pocket," he added before addressing Shough's age.

"It's a lot like the Bo Nix conversation last year," Miller continued.

Nix entered last year's draft at 24 years old and was a five-year college starter. He excelled with the Broncos after being selected No. 12 overall in last year's draft, completing 66.3 percent of his pass attempts for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and guiding the Broncos to the postseason for the first time since 2015.

If Shough has that type of immediate success, the Saints will look like geniuses. But Shough's age will also give him a shorter grace period. Most drafted quarterbacks aren't finished products when they're taken, allowing them time to develop.

If Carr cannot play, Shough will likely open the 2025 season as New Orleans' starter, considering first-year head coach Kellen Moore certainly had input in the pick.

Even in the best-case scenario where Shough becomes a legitimate franchise quarterback, he'll be 30 when he's due for a second contract. Most quarterbacks are out of their prime by the time they reach their late 30s, giving Shough a shorter window than most draft prospects to capitalize on his opportunity.

As much as New Orleans needed a quarterback, Shough's age and injury history raise legitimate concerns about him being a long-term solution.