Would Jets have drafted Saints' Tyler Shough at pick No. 42?

A report surfaced shortly before the 2025 NFL Draft got underway, claiming that Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough had "piqued" the New York Jets' interest. However, the New Orleans Saints made Shough the draft's 40th pick before the Jets could spend selection No. 42. 

For an article published on Wednesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler touched upon why the Saints grabbed Shough when they did on April 25. 

"He was a hot name Day 2," an unnamed AFC executive told Fowler about Shough. "Sounds like he would have gone pretty quickly if not for New Orleans. He's got some of what [new head coach] Kellen Moore [likes], intelligence at the position, good makeup. Will need to improve his accuracy at the next level."

While the Jets signed Justin Fields to a two-year, $40M contract in free agency, the club can escape that deal as soon as next offseason. A 2021 first-round choice, Fields failed to cement himself as a long-term answer at the position during stints with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers. Presumably, New York would've started Fields over Shough this coming September, even though the rookie was referred to by some as "the most pro-ready" quarterback in this year's class. 

That said, a different team could've leapfrogged the Jets in the draft order for Shough. Had the Jets still taken LSU tight end Mason Taylor over Shough at pick No. 42, the Los Angeles Rams could've considered selecting the signal-caller with the 46th pick. The Rams could part ways with veteran starter Matthew Stafford following the 2025 season. 

Meanwhile, New Orleans could be without QB1 Derek Carr until further notice if he chooses to have surgery to repair a lingering shoulder injury. At least one team executive thinks Shough will ultimately earn the Saints' starting job over 2024 fifth-round draft pick Spencer Rattler and 2023 fourth-round choice Jake Haener. 

Interestingly, the Jets are scheduled to face the Saints in New Orleans during Shough's debut season. One wonders if that matchup will leave first-year Jets general manager Darren Mougey and rookie head coach Aaron Glenn wishing that they had moved up in the draft order to secure Shough's services.