New head coach Kellen Moore has his quarterback.

The New Orleans Saints drafted Louisville signal-caller Tyler Shough with the 40th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday night.

The Saints had a glaring need under center with Derek Carr‘s uncertain shoulder injury threatening his season. Shough joins 2024 fourth-round pick Spencer Rattler, 2023 third-rounder Jake Haener, and veteran Ben DiNucci in the QB room.

Shough was the third overall quarterback taken in the draft and the first on Day 2. The Cleveland Browns, who selected Dillon Gabriel, passed on Shough twice in the second round at No. 34 and No. 36. By that point, getting selected by the Saints was a relief as much as anything.

“It was definitely nerve-wracking, just because I had really good meetings and relationships with the Browns, had extensive workouts and stuff like that, same thing with them,” Shough said. “That was definitely a potential [spot]. Once that kinda went off the board, all eyes were looking toward the Saints, and it was just kind of a big relief off the chest when I finally got the call.”

New Orleans has cycled through quarterback since Drew Brees retired following the 2020 season. Eight players have started games for the Saints since 2021. Now Shough has a shot to walk in as the Day 1 starter.

There are questions about his age and injury history, but Shough has the traits to be a productive passer in Moore’s system.

“Great rhythm, anticipation, certainly you feel like he can hit all marks of the field from a throwing perspective,” Moore said of his new QB. “I think he’s got a great feel for this game. You love the system that he’s been exposed to at three different places. He’s played some different styles, so I think he’s certainly comfortable and flexible within that. I think he’s got a mind and an arm, and with that combination he plays at a really high level.”