Context:

The New Orleans Saints face uncertainty in their quarterback lineup following Derek Carr's unexpected retirement due to a recurring shoulder injury. Rookie Tyler Shough, selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft at 25 years old, remains optimistic about his role in the team, emphasizing his commitment to growth regardless of Carr's presence. First-year head coach Kellen Moore has a challenging task ahead as he prepares for training camp, aiming to evaluate and rotate Shough, Jake Haener, and Spencer Rattler fairly to determine the best fit for starting quarterback. Shough's approach reflects a focus on personal development and contributing positively to the quarterback room. Moore assures that all contenders will receive ample opportunities to showcase their skills during the decision-making process.

Dive Deeper:

• Derek Carr's retirement from the NFL, prompted by another shoulder injury, leaves the New Orleans Saints with a significant gap in their quarterback roster after his 11-year career.

• Tyler Shough, although a 25-year-old rookie from Louisville and selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, expresses his readiness to seize any opportunity to improve and support the team's quarterback lineup.

• Shough maintains a positive outlook, stating that his plans and efforts to develop his skills are unchanged by Carr's retirement, illustrating his dedication to personal and team growth.

• Head coach Kellen Moore is tasked with navigating a complex training camp, as he must assess and rotate Shough, Jake Haener, and Spencer Rattler to find the most suitable starting quarterback.

• Moore's strategy involves giving each quarterback equal chances to compete at a high level, ensuring a fair evaluation process to address the team's quarterback needs.

• The New Orleans Saints suffered a blow when veteran quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement on Saturday. Due to another shoulder injury, Carr decided to hang up the cleats and call it a career after 11 years in the league. 

• As such, the Saints QB room is a big question mark. They have Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough, who was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft despite being 25 years old. 

• Both Haener and Rattler splayed in 2024, but Shough - who finished his college career at Louisville - reacted accordingly after the news of Carr's retirement, per John DeShazier of Saints.com. 

• "I think that's all you can ask for is an opportunity at any position, and I'm going to treat it the same way, as if, whoever was on the roster, I've got to continue to grow and get better and do my best to elevate the quarterback room," Shough said.

• Furthermore, Shough says his mindset hasn't changed despite Carr's retirement. 

• "For me, I was going to come in regardless of him being here or not and try and continue to grow." 

• Now, first-year head coach Kellen Moore has an even trickier training camp approaching as he tries to figure out who to put under center. But, the Saints coach did say all three would be given the opportunity. 

• "We'll rotate all these guys, we'll give them all opportunities. I think this whole process, we'll be very patient with it and make sure all these guys get the chances to compete at a really high level."

• MORE DEREK CARR NEWS:

• • Saints rookie QB Tyler Shough's age about to come in handy
  • Saints legend Drew Brees gets ironic update with Derek Carr retirement announcement
  • Saints' pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins takes $30 million QB twist