Former Louisville football star quarterback Tyler Shough was one of 30 second-round picks to fight for a fully guaranteed contract after the top two picks in the second round earned a fully guaranteed contract. Shough was selected No. 40 overall by the New Orleans Saints back on April 25 and all offseason has been trying to work out a deal that he feels is appropriate.
Shough stated he wasn't going to hold out for a fully guaranteed contract, but with him fighting for the starting role for the New Orleans Saints, he felt it was worth fighting for.
Well, it was a bit of a process, but 85 days since being drafted, the Saints and Shough finally agreed on a contract, and the former Cardinal got a big-time contract. Shough and the Saints agreed to a fully guaranteed contract worth $10.795 million.
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Tyler Shough finally earned his big-time contract
Shough's $10.795 million fully guaranteed contract is a win-win for both parties, as Shough receives his contract and his money, and the Saints pay the perfect amount. As of right now, 14 second-round draft picks have signed their contract, and Shough's contract is the fifth highest.
Carson Schwesigner was the first pick in the second round, earning the highest contract at $11.8 million. Right behind him is Jayden Higgins, who earned $11.7 million, followed by Nick Emmanwori's $11.6 million contract.
Shough is reportedly in a battle for the starting role with Spencer Rattler, and there is still no frontrunner. Both quarterbacks will report to training camp on July 22 in preparation for the first preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers on August 10.
Some experts believe the battle between Shough and Rattler is strictly a talent-based competition. If Shough wins the starting role, it has nothing to do with developing him, but rather because he out-talented Rattler and earned the role.
Now that Shough got his money, he has nothing to worry about but throwing a football and winning that job. The Saints will have three preseason games before opening up the regular season against the Arizona Cardinals at the Caesars Superdome on September 7.
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For all the latest on Louisville football's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.