Who Should I Start? Skylar Thompson or Tyler Shough

Tuesday, January 14, 2:44 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers are signing free-agent quarterback Skylar Thompson on Tuesday, according to Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team. Thompson, a 2022 seventh-round pick out of Kansas State, has played in 10 regular-season games (three starts) for the Miami Dolphins. Overall, he has completed 58.7% of his passes for 721 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. While the Steelers might have a quarterback issue to address this offseason, Thompson is clearly not going to be viewed as a serious candidate to start next season. The team is undecided on the futures of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, so Thompson could find his way into the QB2 or QB3 role for Mike Tomlin in 2025, though it's early in the process.

Thursday, May 29, 2:57 PM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who is firmly in the battle for the QB1 job, had an "encouraging performance" during Thursday's OTA practice. "Shough showed it today," Saints reporter Nick Underhill wrote. "Hit two bombs for TDs, real nice layered throw going to the sideline and had an incomplete pass on the move that barely missed but athleticism flashed." The 25-year-old is likely the favorite to be the Week 1 starter in Kellen Moore's new offense after the sudden retirement of Derek Carr (shoulder), so the positive report is promising. Shough was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after tossing for 7,820 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions in 42 collegiate games with Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville. He also scored 11 career rushing touchdowns. Shough is no stranger to learning a new system on the fly, so he could exceed relatively low expectations in Year 1.