Who Should I Start? Tyler Shough or Shedeur Sanders

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.

Friday, May 30, 11:11 PM

As things stand during organized team activities, The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that Cleveland Browns rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders is last in line in the team's QB competition between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. Jackson thinks there's almost no scenario where Gabriel or Sanders win the starting job initially. Sanders got the fewest reps in an OTA practice on Wednesday, but he could make noise quickly as long as he's willing to learn and be coached. The 23-year-old's touch and accuracy has been on display early on. Going into his rookie season in the NFL, Sanders' goal is basically to stay in the team's plans and be deemed worthy of further development. It might be a long shot that we see either of Gabriel or Sanders on the field in 2025, and his ceiling as a dynasty asset might be as a backup QB in the NFL.