Risk Flags
6- Unproven Starter
Shough has minimal NFL starting experience and hasn't demonstrated he can sustain success in a full season. His role with NO remains uncertain amid competition for the starting role.
- Depleted Weapons
New Orleans traded Rashid Shaheed to Seattle and released Brandin Cooks, leaving only Chris Olave as an established receiving weapon. The Saints desperately need to add pass-catchers in the 2026 draft (No. 8 pick) and free agency to maximize Shough's value.
- Offensive Context
The Saints gave up the eighth-most sacks in 2025 and ranked 29th with a 56% pass-block win rate, significantly limiting Shough's ceiling and putting him at injury risk. This weakness persists into 2026 unless addressed in free agency or the draft.
- Limited Starting Experience
Shough has only 9 NFL starts (5-4 record) and management has cautioned about "skipping steps" in his development, acknowledging the need to temper expectations despite his strong finish. He hasn't demonstrated sustained success over a full 17-game season.
- Injury Concerns
Shough sustained two broken collarbones and a broken fibula across three college seasons before staying healthy through all of 2025; the multi-injury pattern remains a watch item that could severely compress dynasty value if it resurfaces in the NFL.
- Offensive Line
David Edwards (OG, $45M guaranteed) is a genuine upgrade, but the Saints' OL unit still lacks the top-tier depth to be considered elite protection. Shough's mobility is a mitigant, but he remains exposed to sack and injury risk behind this front.