NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints have started nine quarterbacks since Drew Brees retired in 2021. None have escaped his shadow. Until now.
Tyler Shough’s alliance with Brees — private film sessions and footwork drills — changed the franchise’s trajectory in just nine starts during the 2025 season. The NFC South is suddenly wide open.
The post-Brees era has been a painful cycle of false dawns. Jameis Winston showed flash but threw 30 interceptions in 22 starts. Andy Dalton managed a 6-8 record. Derek Carr’s two-year tenure produced a 14-15 mark. Taysom Hill electrified as a gadget player but never developed as a passer.
A definitive ranking of every Saints starting quarterback since Brees, based on wins, passer rating and clutch performance:
| Rank | Quarterback | Seasons | Wins | Passer Rating | Key Flaw |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Andy Dalton | 2022 | 6 | 83.2 | Limited arm, check-down heavy |
| 4 | Jameis Winston | 2021-2022 | 11 | 88.4 | Fatal turnover rate (30 INTs) |
| 3 | Derek Carr | 2023-2024 | 14 | 89.1 | Inconsistent downfield accuracy |
| 2 | Taysom Hill | 2021-2025 | 7 | 77.5 | Unsustainable as full-time passer |
| 1 | Tyler Shough | 2025-2026 | 6 | 98.3 | Small sample size (9 starts) |
Shough’s nine-start stretch in 2025 was the outlier. He completed 67.2% of his passes for 2,341 yards, 16 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. His third-down conversion rate (47.3%) ranked fifth in the NFL.
NFL reporters now describe the NFC South as “wide open” for the first time since Brees’ final season. The Saints’ deep ball accuracy under Shough — 12 completions of 40-plus yards in nine games — exploits defenses that once feasted on his predecessors.
The 2026 season is the real test. History shows sophomore quarterbacks either ascend or regress. Shough’s key metrics to watch: third-down conversion rate, red-zone efficiency and throws under pressure.
An improved offensive line, a full offseason as the starter and continued mentorship from Brees give him the tools. The pressure is now on performance.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who replaced Drew Brees as Saints quarterback?
- A: Jameis Winston was the first to start after Brees retired, followed by Andy Dalton, Derek Carr, Taysom Hill, and Tyler Shough.
- Q: How many quarterbacks have the Saints started since Drew Brees?
- A: The Saints have started nine different quarterbacks since Brees retired in 2021.
- Q: Did any Saints QB succeed after Drew Brees?
- A: Tyler Shough showed promise in 2025 with a 98.3 passer rating and a 6-1 record, but his sample size remains small.
Extended Reading
Canal Street Chronicles’ full ranking of every Saints starting QB since Brees, Yahoo Sports’ analysis of the NFC South shift, and NOLA.com’s breakdown of Shough’s Year 2 outlook.