The New Orleans Saints snagged 25-year-old Tyler Shough with the 40th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, opting for experience over potential as Shedeur Sanders continues to twiddle his thumbs, still undrafted.

By choosing Shough, who’s practically a grizzled veteran in a mostly fresh-faced draft class, the Saints signaled a shift in strategy amidst Derek Carr's tenuous future. With reports suggesting Shough was a coveted option and nods from Schefter indicating teams pegged him as a top prospect, the Saints have put their eggs firmly in the Shough basket—leaving Sanders still hoping for a phone call while scrolling through TikTok.

Many were surprised by the Saints' decision to bypass Shedeur Sanders, who was still available when their pick rolled around. The young quarterback from Colorado garnered considerable hype leading up to the draft, and one can only imagine the eyebrows raised when he was not summoned by the Saints. It's almost as if the Saints are telling Sanders, 'You missed your chance at a first-round table, but don’t worry, there’s a perfectly fine bench waiting for you.'

Derek Carr's murky future might have been the tipping point for the Saints in this selection. The quarterback’s uncertain status leaves a gaping hole that a promising rookie might fill—if only they had taken Sanders. Instead, they seem intent on putting their faith in a player who has experienced more college days than some devotees have spent following their favorite team: a solid seven seasons spread across Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville. Shough’s wisdom drawable straight from fall camps past might just be what the Saints are seeking amidst a season riddled with question marks.

Tyler Shough's recent season at Louisville certainly offered a glimpse into why he attracted interest. With a completion rate of 62.7%, 3,195 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions, he threw the kind of numbers that might easily be found in a video game rather than on a collegiate field. Yet, the crux of the matter lies in his age, making him one of the elder statesmen of the 2025 draft class at 25. In a game that frequently prioritizes young legs, the Saints have selected a quarterback who might already be discussing retirement plans while still in his rookie year.

It’s worth noting that reports from various corners of the sports world suggested that the Saints were more interested in Shough than they were in Sanders. While some teams had apparently designated Shough as the best quarterback available, one can't help but smile at the image of the Saints' front office sliding his name to the top of the list while leaving Sanders' on the floor, collecting dust.

With Shough coming into a team environment that's anticipated to be filled with competition, the starting role isn't guaranteed. Alongside him in this new quarterback battle is fellow quarterback Spencer Rattler. Perhaps this scenario will reignite that healthy sense of urgency among the Saints' signal callers, or at the very least, make for fascinating conference room discussions about who will make fewer rookie mistakes when Sunday rolls around. 'Who will throw fewer interceptions?' may very well be the underlying question for Saints fans as they gear up for what's sure to be an engaging battle.

Meanwhile, Sanders remains in limbo, patiently waiting for his name to be called. One can only assume he’s contemplating equally noble tasks such as composing social media posts dedicated to his aspirations or masterfully curating the ideal TikTok dance challenge to catch the eye of a team looking for a quarterback. Whatever the case, one thing is for certain: The Saints have selected Tyler Shough, which includes entrusting their future to him while Sanders continues to watch the draft unfold from the sidelines.

In the broader context, the Saints’ decision to shape their quarterback future with Shough reveals a willingness to prioritize a blend of experience and actual accomplishments over the unproven. As NFL draft dynamics fade in the rearview mirror, it remains to be seen whether this gamble will pay off. But for the time being, the only sound emerging from the New Orleans camp is a resounding silence, punctuated by the faint echoes of Sanders hoping to join the club—preferably before training camp.