Saints QB competition impacted by rookie contract development

The Saints begin their 2025 training camp on Tuesday, the franchise's first under head coach Kellen Moore, who was hired in February.

By finalizing Shough's contract, the rookie will have a whole camp to build a rapport with the first-team offense, including wide receivers Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks and running back Alvin Kamara, to beat out second-year pro Spencer Rattler and third-year Jake Haener for the Week 1 starting job.

Shough has the advantage of being selected by Moore, whereas the last regime picked Rattler and Haener.

Despite being a rookie, Shough, who turns 26 on Sept. 28, is exactly one year older than Rattler. He had an injury-plagued collegiate rule, leading to multiple medical redshirts, but was at his best last season at Louisville, where he threw for 3,195 yards (8.2 yards per attempt), 23 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Along with 29 other second-round picks, Shough was involved in a prolonged contract standoff, with teams reluctant to give players fully guaranteed deals.

New Orleans' decision to acquiesce and give Shough the last guaranteed deal among 2025 draft selections speaks to its overall comfort in him as a prospect.

If he pans out, the deal will give the Saints incredible flexibility as they rebuild following four consecutive non-playoff seasons.

But first, Shough must win the starting job. With his contract no longer an obstacle, he just moved one step closer.