Drew Brees Gives Kellen Moore a Serious Warning for Ignoring Shedeur Sanders in Favor of Tyler Shough

Introduction
In the wake of the 2025 NFL Draft, Hall of Famer and former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees issued a pointed admonition to offensive coordinator Kellen Moore for bypassing Colorado prodigy Shedeur Sanders—son of “Coach Prime” Deion Sanders—in favor of veteran-aged Tyler Shough at No. 40 overall. Brees, speaking on The Dan Patrick Show, warned that overlooking a talent like Sanders could haunt the franchise much like passing on Lamar Jackson did in 2018. His comments have reignited debate over draft philosophies, player evaluation, and the human side of what is often treated as a purely transactional process .

The Draft Day Prank That Sparked a Warning

On the night of the draft, the Sanders family gathered around grills, cameras rolling, as Shedeur’s phone buzzed with what appeared to be Saints general manager Mickey Loomis on the line. “We’re gonna take you with our next pick,” the prankster said—later revealed to be the son of Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich—only to hang up moments later, leaving Shedeur and his family stunned. While Sanders eventually went to the Browns in Round 5, the prank served as a cruel reminder of the emotional stakes for prospects and their families .

Drew Brees seized on this incident to underscore the need for a champion within an organization—one person willing to “stand up on the table” for a player they believe in. “All you need is one coach or scout who’s like, ‘I’m telling you he’s got something, we gotta take him,’ and then the rest is history,” Brees said, implicitly criticizing Moore’s decision to pass on Sanders .

Shedeur Sanders: A Profile of Production and Poise

Shedeur Sanders concluded his senior season at Colorado as one of the most prolific passers in FBS history. In 2024 he completed 74.0 percent of his 477 attempts for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns, earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors and a 168.21 passer rating—vastly outpacing Tyler Shough’s comparable collegiate output . Beyond the numbers, pro scouts have lauded his mental processing, timing, and ability to make off-platform throws under duress—a trait Drew Brees himself emphasized as vital for NFL success .

Despite these credentials, concerns around his formal pre-draft interview and perceived arm strength reportedly caused him to slip to the fifth round, where the Browns selected him at pick No. 144. Browns minicamp reports have already highlighted Sanders outperforming fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, signaling he may have been undervalued on draft night .

Tyler Shough: Experience Over Upside

At 26 years old and with four collegiate stops under his belt—Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville—Tyler Shough brings maturity and a hefty résumé (7,820 passing yards, 56 touchdowns in seven collegiate seasons) to New Orleans . Selected in Round 2 by Moore’s Saints, Shough’s pro-style experience appealed to a team in immediate need of a bridge quarterback after Derek Carr’s sudden retirement on May 10, 2025 .

Supporters cite Shough’s leadership and steady arm—attributes that align with Kellen Moore’s preference for structure and play-action schemes—while critics argue that his ceiling is limited compared to the dynamic playmaking potential offered by Sanders. As former NFL MVP Robert Griffin III quipped, “Tyler Shough is good, but his tape wasn’t better than Shedeur’s. Period” .

Kellen Moore’s Offensive Vision

Since assuming play-calling duties, Kellen Moore has been praised for designing creative passing concepts that stress second-level defenders. His work with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023–24 saw explosive production from Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, earning him the reputation of a quarterbacks’ coach. Yet Moore’s decision to eschew the higher-ceiling Sanders in favor of reliability highlights a philosophical divide: do you draft for upside or for immediate fit?

Moore’s early returns will depend on Shough’s ability to adapt quickly to NFL speed. His willingness to incorporate gadget plays and misdirection could mitigate Shough’s limitations, but should Sanders emerge in Cleveland as a Pro Bowl-caliber passer, the optics for Moore and the Saints front office will sour rapidly.

Historical Parallels: Lessons from 2018

Brees drew a direct line to 2018, when the Saints passed on Louisville’s Lamar Jackson, who was instead taken by Baltimore with the final pick of Round 1. Jackson’s immediate impact—43 touchdown passes and an MVP award in his second season—led many to question the Saints’ decision to bolster their pass rush with Marcus Davenport instead .

“Sean Payton loved Patrick Mahomes in 2017,” Brees reminded listeners, referring to the franchise’s near-miss on another generational talent. Such hindsight critique underscores the gamble every team makes: high-upside quarterbacks can redefine a franchise, while safe picks may yield incremental gains at best.

Impact on the Saints’ QB Room

With Carr’s retirement leaving New Orleans’ depth chart thin—Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and rookie Shough—the margin for error is slim. Should Shough struggle out of the gate, Moore may have to turn to less heralded options or even revisit the possibility of trading for veteran help. Conversely, if Shough thrives, the decision to prioritize experience over pure upside will be celebrated as a masterstroke.

Meanwhile, reports from Browns camp suggest Sanders is already pushing for a starting role, making this inter-division narrative even more compelling. A breakout season by Sanders in Cleveland could intensify scrutiny on Moore’s draft strategy and the Saints’ front office for letting elite talent slip away.

Fan and Media Reaction

Saints supporters have been vocal on social media, some calling for accountability from Moore and general manager Jeffrey D. Allison for “ignoring a future Pro Bowler” in favor of “another veteran retread.” National analysts are divided: some laud Moore’s patience, while others see Sanders’ slide as a cautionary tale against over-valuing the interview room at the expense of on-field production .

Even Deion Sanders hinted at what might have been, quipping, “I like the colors, I like the city… I like the possibility,” when asked about Shedeur in New Orleans. That sentiment, shared before his son’s draft, adds an emotional sting to the decision .

Looking Ahead: Risks and Rewards

• Risk for the Saints: If Shough underperforms or suffers injury, the offence could stagnate, leading to a lost season and heightened pressure on Moore’s job security. The franchise may also have to reach in future drafts for quarterback help, paying a premium for another prospect.
• Potential Reward: A smooth transition by Shough—leveraging Moore’s scheme and supporting cast—could validate the decision, offering stability and a clearer path for long-term roster building.
• Sanders’ Upside: Should Sanders emerge as a star in Cleveland, it will fuel narratives of “what if?” in New Orleans and underscore the league’s volatility when valuing quarterback prospects.

Conclusion

Drew Brees’s cautionary message to Kellen Moore transcends a single draft pick—it speaks to the core of team building in the NFL. Balancing institutional philosophies, player evaluation, and the intangible “love” Brees described can shift franchise trajectories overnight. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Tyler Shough and Shedeur Sanders—two careers intertwined by a decision that may define Kellen Moore’s tenure in New Orleans, for better or worse. Will the Saints regret passing on a generational talent, or will Shough prove the safer, smarter choice? Only time will tell.