By Ross Jackson
Quarterback Tyler Shough could be in store for a big rookie season with the New Orleans Saints. With question marks looming around starting quarterback Derek Carr and his future with the team, Shough may be a starter sooner than later.
He’d have to beat second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler to the punch, though. If he does, he could etch his name into the Saints all-time records book in his inaugural season, just like Rattler did.
Because the Saints have not had many rookie starters in their existence, there are franchise rookie records manageably within grasp. That includes one such record Rattler just reset himself in 2024, the New Orleans rookie passing yards record.
Rattler set a new high among just ten qualifying rookie quarterbacks last season with 1,317 passing yards after his seven game appearances.
Despite only starting 6 games, Spencer Rattler broke the @Saints record for most passing yards by a rookie with 1,317. The previous record holder was Archie Manning, who threw for 1,164 in 10 starts in 1971. pic.twitter.com/PHCh127SX3
— Sam Houseworth (@swhouseworth) January 23, 2025
The most games started by a rookie quarterback in franchise history is 12, set by 1971 first-round selection Archie Manning.
Should Shough see as many starts in 2025, he’d need to average just shy of 110 passing yards per game to surpass Rattler. The second-round selection would also tie the passing touchdowns record (six by Manning) in 12 games by throwing just one passing score every other game.
Shough may be a surprise starter in 2025 but if he stays healthy and maintains an achievable amount of production in the meanwhile, he can make sure that his name remains a part of team history in no time.
