In one of the most baffling decisions of the 2025 NFL Draft, New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis selected quarterback Tyler Shough in the mid rounds—an act many are calling not just a reach, but the latest chapter in a troubling pattern of questionable choices that may finally warrant his exit.
Tyler Shough, the former Oregon and Texas Tech quarterback, has talent—but let’s be clear: he is not a plug-and-play NFL starter, and some scouts didn’t even have him graded as a draftable prospect. Between injury concerns, inconsistent accuracy, and a lack of big-game success, Shough’s profile raises more red flags than it does optimism. For a franchise desperately trying to recover from years of middling quarterback play and cap mismanagement, this pick feels more like a panic move than a strategic rebuild.
Shough’s college stats don’t inspire confidence. While he showed flashes of athleticism and toughness, his decision-making under pressure has long been criticized. At Texas Tech, his injury history piled up and his production never matched the expectations once placed on him. Drafting him—especially when more polished, higher-upside quarterbacks or much-needed defensive talent were still on the board—speaks volumes about the Saints’ lack of direction.
The selection has already sparked backlash among Saints fans and analysts alike. Some see it as a classic Loomis move: doubling down on potential while ignoring glaring team needs. With aging veterans, a weak offensive line, and a thin secondary, the Saints needed immediate contributors. Instead, they got a developmental quarterback who may never see a meaningful snap in New Orleans.
Let’s not forget Loomis’s recent track record. Since the retirement of Sean Payton and the departure of Drew Brees, the Saints have been adrift. Cap hell, inconsistent coaching decisions, and a revolving door at quarterback have defined his post-Brees era. This pick doesn’t just fail to correct those issues—it exacerbates them.
While other teams made aggressive moves to secure franchise-altering talent, Loomis and the Saints once again opted for a head-scratcher. It’s no longer about one bad decision—it’s about a pattern of failed leadership. The Tyler Shough pick may not sink the franchise alone, but it should be the final straw. If Loomis still has a job by the end of this season, Saints fans have every right to ask: What exactly does it take to be held accountable in New Orleans?