NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The New Orleans Saints will enter the 2026 season with Tyler Shough as their starting quarterback, general manager Mickey Loomis and coach Kellen Moore said Wednesday during their season-ending press conference.
“We feel great with Tyler,” Moore said. “Tyler’s done an awesome job through this entire process. He’s gotten a ton better. He’s taken advantage of a bunch of opportunities. We’re excited to have a full offseason to build.”
The Saints finished 6-11 in 2025 but won four of their final five games with Schockers under center.
Quarterback development exceeded expectations
Loomis said Shough progressed faster than expected after being drafted in the second round.
“We thought a lot of him going into the draft,” Loomis said. “We felt like, man, this guy’s got a chance to be a real good quarterback in the league and that’s why we drafted him.”
Moore praised backup Spencer Rattler’s performance during the season.
“What Spencer did in the season also is worth commending,” Moore said. “What he put out there on film, I think is really good film. He’s a really good quarterback. He’s a starting caliber quarterback as well.”
Offseason approach differs from previous years
The Saints’ situation entering the 2026 offseason contrasts sharply with a year ago, when they had no permanent coach and quarterback uncertainty following Derek Carr’s retirement.
“It certainly makes it easier,” Loomis said. “But it’s different. There’s still lots of questions. There’s lots of things that we have to accomplish and do. So it’s just the tasks are different.”
Salary cap situation improving
Loomis said the Saints’ salary cap situation has improved significantly compared to recent years.
“I feel pretty good about it, yes. I do feel good about where we’re at,” Loomis said when asked about reaching salary cap neutrality.
The improved cap situation could provide more flexibility in free agency and roster building.
Veteran players’ futures uncertain
The Saints face decisions on several veteran players, including Cam Jordan and DeMario Davis, who are approaching free agency.
“There’s a process that we go through at the end of the season,” Loomis said. “It’s an evaluation, and then it’s a determination of, you know, hey, do they want to come back? Do we want them back?”
Loomis expressed optimism about retaining key veterans.
“I’m excited to hear when those guys declare they want to be back here,” he said. “And I would say on the surfers, we definitely want to have them back.”
Rookie class shows promise
Both Loomis and Moore praised the 2025 rookie class, which included significant contributors like Shough, Quincy Riley, Danny Stutzman, and Jonas Sanker.
“I think all of us would say we’re pretty excited about the group as a whole,” Loomis said. “The things that they did, sometimes under different circumstances.”
Moore highlighted the rookies’ readiness when opportunities arose.
“The important thing about that is that those guys were ready when the opportunity presented their self,” Moore said.
Draft positioning provides flexibility
The Saints will have a high draft pick and additional flexibility in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“I’m excited about the draft class that’s coming up,” Loomis said. “There’s a lot of players that will fit us at a lot of different positions.”
The improved draft position could allow the Saints to select the best available player rather than reaching for specific positions.
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