Despite solid production, Shough finished as the runner-up for the 2025 Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, with Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan taking home the award. Shough is expected to build on his rookie season, and veteran quarterback Derek Carr has shared high praise for the young playmaking signal-caller. Carr remarked that Shough entered the league with a maturity beyond his years, noting his adversity and life experience have helped him come in ready to compete. Carr described Shough as a good, humble person who has already shown he can ball at a high level.
Derek Carr also expressed optimism about the Saints’ offense, highlighting the talent surrounding Shough. He pointed to a group of young receivers and playmakers, including Chris Olave, Juwan Johnson, Travis Etienne Jr., and Jordyn Tyson, as key pieces around the quarterback. Carr emphasized that it’s not only about raw talent but also about leadership and how Shough carries himself. With a young coach in Kellen Moore calling plays, Carr suggested that the alignment between a developing quarterback and a dynamic offense could be beneficial for the team’s growth.
Shough has discussed the path to the Saints’ success after taking over as the starter. He reflected on a difficult stretch in the 2025 season, noting that the team was 1-9 or 1-10 when he arrived. He explained that learning from early struggles helped the team rebound and finish the season on a positive note. Shough described the mindset of embracing opportunities, communicating that regardless of the opponent, the team should go out, be themselves, and enjoy the process. He believes this approach helped the Saints gel and can be a foundation for continued improvement in the upcoming season.
As the Saints eye a return to the playoffs and a competitive division race in the NFC South, the combination of Shough’s progression, Carr’s leadership, and a talented supporting cast could position New Orleans for a strong 2026 campaign. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Shough continues to develop and how the coaching staff, led by Moore, leverages the offense to maximize its potential.
