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.
“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.
Cooper Kupp has made his intentions clear as he embarks on his new journey with the Seattle Seahawks. The Super Bowl MVP and one of the most decorated wide receivers of his generation has left the Los Angeles Rams behind, and in his first public comments since joining Seattle, he’s setting the record straight:
For Kupp, the past is exactly that — the past. His historic run with the Rams, which culminated in a Super Bowl victory, will always be a part of his legacy, but it’s clear that Kupp’s focus is now solely on the future. As the Seahawks prepare for the 2025 NFL season, Kupp is determined to leave his mark on Seattle’s offense and help the team reach new heights.
A New Chapter, A New Focus
After years of dominating with the Rams, Kupp’s decision to sign with Seattle in the offseason was a bold move. But his message couldn’t be clearer: his decision wasn’t about nostalgia or chasing old glory. He’s here to win, and that’s the only thing that matters now.
“The records are nice, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what you do next. You can’t live off of what you’ve done,” Kupp explained. “I came here because I believe in the direction of this team, and I know that there’s a chance to do something special with the Seahawks. This is about the now, the present, and the future — and I’m all in on that.”
While Kupp’s time with the Rams is filled with accolades, including an unforgettable Super Bowl MVP performance, his focus is shifting toward contributing to Seattle’s success. With a dynamic quarterback in Geno Smith and a solid offensive line, Kupp is primed to make an immediate impact in his new home.
A Legacy Built on Now
Kupp’s mindset is a refreshing change of pace in a league often focused on past achievements and career milestones. His message is clear: legacy isn’t built on what you’ve done in the past; it’s built on what you do next. And for Kupp, that means helping the Seahawks make a run for the playoffs and beyond.
The Seahawks have been in a rebuilding phase, but with Kupp on board, the team’s potential has skyrocketed. He’s bringing leadership, experience, and a championship mentality to a squad that’s eager to prove itself on the biggest stage. Kupp’s presence in the locker room will no doubt raise the level of play for the entire offense.
Looking Ahead
As Kupp begins this new chapter with Seattle, his focus is unwavering. While the Rams’ fans may still hold a special place for him, Kupp is ready to make Seattle his new home. His determination to win is palpable, and his arrival signals that the Seahawks are ready to compete at the highest level.
Cooper Kupp is no longer looking back. He’s focused on the future and determined to build a legacy with the Seattle Seahawks that will surpass what he accomplished in Los Angeles. The records, the accolades, and the Super Bowl ring — they’re all part of the journey. But for Kupp, the real work starts now.