Super Bowl Winner Backs Tyler Shough to Successfully Replace Derek Carr at Saints

Louisville alumnus and Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch praised the Saints for drafting Tyler Shough, calling it the right move over any other quarterback.

Super Bowl Winner Backs Tyler Shough to Successfully Replace Derek Carr at Saints

Tyler Shough and Derek Carr (Image via IMAGO)

Tyler Shough went under the radar for the better part of his college career until he arrived in Louisville. And his heroics with the Cardinals have former alumnus Deion Branch convinced that the New Orleans Saints made the correct choice by selecting Shough over Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart.

Kay Adams FaceTimed Branch during a recent segment of Up & Adams and asked about Shough’s chances as the future Saints quarterback. Branch quickly answered Adams, claiming that Shough was the right quarterback for the NFC South franchise.

I promise you [Kay Adams]. I want to be the person to quiet down all of the grumblings that I’ve probably slightly heard about, ‘Oh, we didn’t take the right quarterback.’ No, you took the right quarterback [Kellen Moore], trust me. I promise you—you drafted the right quarterback. Tyler is an NFL quarterback [who] was in college.

Deion Branch said

Branch thanked the head coach of the Louisville Cardinals, Jeff Brohm, for signing Shough from the transfer portal. He kept a keen eye on Shough through his one-year spell at his alma mater. According to Branch, Shough can throw every pass in the book.

I watched it and saw it every day. As a former receiver, looking at this young man practice every day on the football field, studying every day off the football field… [Tyler Shough] is a pro-ready quarterback. You guys selected the right guy. 

Deion Branch added

Reporters asked new Saints head coach Kellen Moore about the reason behind passing on Sanders for Shough during draft week. Moore said it was a tough decision to ignore Sanders due to his record with Colorado, but he thought Shough was the right fit for the Saints.

I think really highly of [Shedeur]. Ultimately, as you go through it, you’ve got to make a decision, and we felt like Tyler was the one for us.

Kellen Moore said via The Sporting News

Tyler Shough needs to prove himself quickly

The Saints were in the draft for a quarterback because their longtime starter, Derek Carr, has been suffering from a shoulder issue. Reports from the New Orleans facility suggested Carr’s rehab will take time.

Super Bowl Winner Backs Tyler Shough to Successfully Replace Derek Carr at Saints
Tyler Shough (Image via IMAGO)

However, there has been a change of plans. On Saturday, Carr suddenly announced his retirement from football at the age of 34.

Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League. For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials, and especially the fans who made this journey so special. Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.

Derek Carr said via the Saints

This has created a void, and someone needs to fill it. Three candidates will fight for the starting quarterback spot: Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener.

We’re going to let all three of these guys roll.

Head Coach of the Saints, Kellen Moore, said after Carr retired

Rattler started six games in Carr’s absence last year, losing all of them while completing 4 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Haener, meanwhile, appeared in eight games but started just once.

Shough currently leads the recent odds, but nothing is guaranteed. There’s still one big-name quarterback in free agency who Moore can dial.

Aaron Rodgers may be strongly linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but after the recent George Pickens trade, the chances of the 4x Super Bowl winner moving to Pittsburgh are slowly diminishing. Moore should not pass up the opportunity while Rodgers plays golf as a free man.

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