There is no doubt that Shough will be the Saints’ starting quarterback when the 2026 season begins, and if he performs anything like he did as a rookie, he will likely hold onto that position for some time.

Spencer Rattler should be in line to remain his primary backup after he played well while starting the first eight games of the 2025 season. While Rattler put up an abysmal 1-13 record as a starter in his first two seasons, he’s shown flashes of NFL starter ability and is more than a competent backup.

New Orleans also recently signed free agent Zach Wilson. The former No. 2 overall pick has never put it together as a professional, and the Saints now represent his fourth team. But Wilson is still just 26 years old and is, at the very least, an intriguing talent to try and develop in the No. 3 spot.

There is not much incentive for the Saints to add another young player to the mix.

But, hey, never say never. While it’s safe to assume New Orleans won’t use one of its premier draft assets on another quarterback, that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t pull the trigger on a late-round selection if they really like someone.

In case of a fall:

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier, 6-foot-1, 205: The former Tigers quarterback likely wouldn’t be on this list if it wasn’t for the family connection, but that’s not something that can be totally written off. Not only is Nussmeier’s father, Doug, the Saints’ offensive coordinator, but several members of the Saints coaching staff have been teamed up with the elder Nussmeier for years and have watched Garrett grow up. There is intimate familiarity here.

This wouldn’t have seemed that far-fetched during last college football season. Nussmeier endured a difficult and injury-plagued senior season in Baton Rouge, watching his draft stock fall in the process. But, at both the Senior Bowl (where he won MVP) and his recent pro day, Nussmeier appeared to put some of the injury concerns behind him with impressive performances.

His stock is therefore back on the rise, most likely putting him out of the Saints range. But if he does end up falling to Day 3, would it really be a surprise to see the Saints take another swing?

And this wouldn’t just be about the family connection: At his best, Nussmeier’s ability to play with anticipation would fit nicely with head coach Kellen Moore’s offense.

Athletes to develop:

Arkansas QB Taylen Green, 6-6, 227: There aren’t many athletes like Green at this position. He’s built like an NBA wing and he put on a dazzling show at the NFL combine, where he ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 43-inch vertical leap.

He needs time to develop as a passer — his raw ability is evident, but there isn’t much polish. Green threw 35 interceptions in his college career, and his completion percentage hovered around 60% every year. Time is something the Saints can afford, especially if they could envision a way to use Green’s talent in other ways — something this organization is obviously familiar with.

It would be unfair to Green to suggest a Taysom Hill-like role, because there is a lot more that goes into it than physical ability. But a small package of plays that evolves as Green develops seems reasonable.

Georgia Tech QB Haynes King, 6-2, 212: Since we’re on the Taysom Hill train, King is the one player who has most often drawn that comparison in this year’s draft class.

As a pure quarterback, King is not much of a prospect — like Green, he threw a lot of interceptions (34) in college, and his accuracy as a passer leaves plenty to be desired. But, like Green, he is an exceptional athlete.

King plays with a tough mentality, and has proven himself as a physical runner. He racked up 36 touchdowns and more than 2,300 rushing yards in his final three seasons at Georgia Tech. He is solidly built at 6-2, 212, and he impressed at the combine with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash.

Late-round flier:

Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson, 6-4, 216: If you’re looking to roll the dice on a Day 3 quarterback prospect, Robertson checks some boxes. He has NFL size, functional mobility (4.64-second 40-yard dash) and he was productive in two years as a starter, throwing for 6,700 yards and 59 touchdowns his last two seasons.