The New Orleans Saints are on the brink of a new era as they gear up for the upcoming summer. With the hiring of former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as head coach, the team is also set to unveil a new starting quarterback.
This season’s second-round draft pick, Tyler Shough, and the 2024 fifth-round selection, Spencer Rattler, are currently in contention for the QB1 position following Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement. The quarterback competition has been a topic of interest after OTA sessions, with NFL insider Tom Pelissero indicating that Shough is a strong contender to start. However, he also mentioned that Rattler has garnered significant support from the coaching staff.
“I’m really interested to see when it’s Shough vs. Rattler — what happens that is the line, along with Jake Haener, who’s currently sidelined. What’s it going to look like? How’re they going to divide the reps between those guys? Because Rattler played some, and he showed flashes. He also had some bad moments, but I’d not totally write off Spencer Rattler yet,” Pelissero stated on “The Rich Eisen Show.”
Since the departure of Drew Brees in 2020, the Saints have faced challenges in finding a consistent starting quarterback. Despite the competition between Shough and Rattler, it may take a few more weeks before a definitive starter emerges.
Spencer Rattler has been turning heads during the Saints’ OTAs, showcasing his skills and potential as a starting quarterback. Saints insider Ross Jackson noted that Rattler has been quick, decisive, patient, and agile during practice sessions, particularly in the red zone.
Based on his performances in OTAs, Rattler appears to be the frontrunner for the starting role. It may only be a matter of time before head coach Kellen Moore officially selects him as the QB1 if he maintains his impressive form. The third-string quarterback for the Saints this season will be Jake Haener, who spent most of the 2024 season backing up Rattler.
In conclusion, the Saints are embarking on a new chapter with a fresh coaching staff and a potentially promising quarterback competition. The battle between Shough and Rattler will undoubtedly be one to watch as the team looks to solidify its quarterback position for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
