Drew Brees Praises Tyler Shough as New Orleans Saints Starting QB for 2026
The New Orleans Saints cemented their quarterback plans for the upcoming NFL season by officially naming Tyler Shough their starting quarterback. According to a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees stated that Shough is in an “unbelievable situation” to succeed in New Orleans under head coach Kellen Moore, pointing to the quarterback’s maturity, leadership traits, and the strong roster built around him.
The Road to the 2026 Starting Job
The Saints selected Shough in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Louisville. After beginning his rookie campaign as a backup to Spencer Rattler, head coach Kellen Moore elevated Shough to the starting lineup by Week 9 of the 2025 season. Shough responded by leading the team to a 5-4 record across those starts, highlighted by a four-game winning streak.
Unlike last season, when a full quarterback battle defined training camp, Shough enters the 2026 campaign with a full offseason and an uninterrupted training camp to master Moore’s offensive scheme. Brees noted that sitting for the first half of his rookie season offered immense value. “When you step in, it’s like, ‘You’ve earned this. It’s my time. Here we go,'” Brees told Fox News Digital. “He just got incrementally better every week.”
Drew Brees Evaluates Shough’s Unique Skill Set and Maturity
Drafted at age 25 after spending seven collegiate seasons across three programs—three years at Texas Tech, three at Oregon, and one at Louisville—Shough faced questions about his extended college career. Brees, however, views that extensive background as a significant asset rather than a liability.
“First off, Tyler Shough is a guy mature beyond his years,” Brees explained to Fox News Digital. “He battled through his own fair share of injuries and adversity. Just having to overcome. So again, I think you learn a lot, develop a lot of gratitude.” Brees also credited Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm, a former Purdue coach and NFL quarterback, with helping Shough realize his professional potential.
On the field, Brees highlighted physical traits that draw comparisons to elite dual-threat signal-callers. “He’s super talented. He’s big, strong, can throw the ball. Very good athlete, so you can do a lot in the run game with him. He has a lot of Josh Allen qualities in that way — running with the size and athleticism,” Brees said.
Offensive Supporting Cast and Local Economic Impact
The front office has actively reinforced the roster to support their young quarterback. The franchise signed wide receiver Chris Olave to a long-term contract extension and drafted wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, while also adding running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a backfield that already features Alvin Kamara and tight end Juwan Johnson. Coupled with first-round investments in offensive linemen over the two years previous and Moore’s play-calling pedigree, the organization has aligned the necessary pieces for sustainable offensive production.
Building Community Through Sports Culture
Beyond the gridiron, Brees maintains a prominent role in the business community as a co-owner and partner in Walk-on’s Sports Bistreaux. Originating in Louisiana, the sports bar franchise has expanded to over 80 locations nationwide. To maintain high-energy atmospheres that draw local fans for college and professional games, the enterprise utilizes DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS, providing patrons access to comprehensive sports packages including NFL Sunday Ticket across more than 300,000 establishments.
As the 2026 season approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on Shough to translate his offseason leadership and glowing endorsements into sustained success on the field, guiding a reloaded Saints roster through a demanding NFC schedule.