Saints Could Replace Tyler Shough Soon if He Doesn’t Prove Himself
The New Orleans Saints have been on quite a roller coaster ride with the quarterback position over the last year. Derek Carr suddenly retired in the offseason, which left the Saints with rookie Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler battling for the starting job.
Rattler would eventually win the job out of training camp after the race was as tight as could be. New Orleans would give Rattler around half the season to find some momentum, but he couldn't push the Saints to very many wins. Rattler wasn't the team's biggest problem, as he performed fine, but the team continued to lose so first year head coach Kellen Moore opted to bench Rattler and start Shough moving forward.
Through two career starts, Shough has looked much better than advertised. He's already led the Saints to a win despite a very depleted roster. Still, it's impossible to tell at this point whether he has what it takes to be the team's franchise quarterback.
CBS Sports' Josh Edwards recently put together a mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft. With the No. 2 overall pick in the first round, Edwards predicted the Saints would draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza to take over for Shough in New Orleans.
Saints predicted to draft Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza
"Tyler Shough led New Orleans to a win over the weekend, so it's possible—though still unlikely—that the team plays itself out of the quarterback market," Edwards wrote. "Still, unless the Saints are completely sold on Shough as their long-term answer, they're going to take a quarterback if they have the opportunity."
As of now, it's hard to tell what the Saints will do with their top pick. They seemingly selected Shough in the second-round last season because they believe in him. Replacing Shough would make sense if he struggles down the stretch. But if he's excellent, the Saints could use this pick on a playmaker like Caleb Downs or Carnell Tate.
But if the Saints want to add a quarterback in Round 1, Mendoza is the guy.
Mendoza is the top quarterback in college football right now, alongside Ohio State's Julian Sayin (who's not draft eligible). Mendoza has incredible poise and arm talent that helps him lead Indiana down the field at will. The Saints could add him if they're not confident in Shough.
NFL Legend Jon Batiste Unexpectedly Defends Geno Smith Amid Intense Backlash: “What’s Happening to Geno Smith Is an Injustice to Football” – His Statement Immediately Sends Raiders Nation Into an Uproar
Las Vegas, Nevada – November 13, 2025 – Amid swirling controversy surrounding Geno Smith’s potential return to the field, a powerful and unexpected voice has risen to defend the embattled quarterback. Renowned musician Jon Batiste, a figure not typically associated with the Las Vegas Raiders, has become an unlikely champion for Smith at a time when the veteran signal-caller's future with the Raiders hangs in the balance.
Smith, who has been sidelined with an injury, has faced mounting criticism regarding his readiness for the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs. As the debate intensifies, a significant portion of Raiders fans and analysts are skeptical about his return. Questions surrounding his full recovery have been raised, with many wondering if he is truly fit to lead the Raiders back into contention. The team’s backup quarterback, QB2, has also impressed during Smith’s absence, earning the trust of both the coaching staff and fans. With this in mind, some fear that Smith’s return is being driven more by the weight of expectation than actual physical preparedness.
Enter Jon Batiste, the larger-than-life musician who has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, even on issues outside of his usual domain. In a rare statement regarding Smith, Batiste expressed his support with a powerful message that instantly resonated across the sports world.
“What’s happening to Geno Smith is an injustice to football,” Batiste declared, his voice filled with passion and conviction. “People forget that this man has battled back from the brink of obscurity, proven himself time and time again, and now faces unjust scrutiny. You don’t judge a warrior just because he’s faced setbacks.”
Batiste’s words quickly reverberated through social media, sparking a wave of support for Smith from Raiders fans and analysts alike. The statement was shared thousands of times, with many fans thanking Batiste for his bold defense of their quarterback. It was a reminder of Smith’s resilience, his journey from backup to Pro Bowler, and his unwavering commitment to the Raiders’ Super Bowl aspirations.
The timing of Batiste’s remarks could not have been more crucial. With uncertainty hanging over Smith’s return, his injury, and the team’s playoff hopes, Batiste’s impassioned defense has altered the narrative. The conversation has shifted from skepticism to loyalty, with Raiders Nation rallying behind Smith, not just as a player, but as a symbol of perseverance and leadership.
As Batiste aptly put it, “This is not the time for blame — this is the time for loyalty.” His words have not only helped shift the perspective on Smith’s injury but have also galvanized a fan base that was once divided.
The upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs has now become much more than a simple football match. It is a test of Smith’s physical readiness, yes, but also a deeper test of faith. The Raiders will face their division rivals with more than just playoff implications on the line. They will be fighting for the belief in their leader, and as Batiste’s stirring words suggest, this battle is about far more than X’s and O’s—it’s about loyalty, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a quarterback who has proven time and time again that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
With Batiste’s unexpected support echoing through the halls of Raiders Nation, one thing is certain: this team stands united behind Geno Smith. The rest, as they say, will be history.
