Tyler Shough enters the 2026 NFL season as the New Orleans Saints' undisputed starting quarterback and a first-time team captain after taking over mid-rookie campaign and finishing 5-4 as the starter with 2,384 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and a 67.6% completion rate in 11 games. The offense features meaningful upgrades, including first-round wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, running back Travis Etienne, and line reinforcements, which analysts expect to boost scoring opportunities and support a projected 23–31 passing touchdowns over 17 games. Shough showed efficiency on shorter throws but struggled with deep accuracy as a rookie; continued development under head coach Kellen Moore, combined with a full season of starting reps and improved weapons around him, shapes trader expectations for his touchdown total amid the Saints' push for better results after a 7-10 finish the prior year.