Saints QB conundrum: Rattler in as starter for 2025 season
The New Orleans Saints have officially named Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback for the 2025 season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. The decision, made by first-year head coach Kellen Moore on August 26, 2025, ends a three-month competition that pitted the second-year signal-caller against rookie Tyler Shough and veteran Jake Haener, the latter of whom was released as part of the team’s roster cuts.
While Rattler’s ascension to QB1 represents a vote of confidence in his growth, it also underscores a deeper quarterback conundrum in the Big Easy, particularly given how poor Rattler looked in his rookie year. It’s a decision fraught with performance concerns, unfulfilled draft promise, and questions about long-term stability at the position, with so many tipping the Saints to be in with a chance of the #1 overall pick come next April.
Rattler’s rocky road to QB1
Rattler, a 2024 fifth-round pick out of South Carolina, steps into the role after a rocky rookie campaign that saw him thrust into action due to injuries and inconsistencies from former starter Derek Carr, who retired, somewhat unexpectedly, in the offseason.
In seven appearances (six starts) last season, Rattler completed just 57% of his passes for 1,317 yards, scoring four touchdowns and five interceptions, while taking 22 sacks and posting a dismal 70.4 passer rating. Despite glimpses of promise, his struggles and inconsistencies contributed to a 0-6 record in those starts, marking him as one of the league’s least effective quarterbacks in limited action. A lot of his troubles came from the lack of help around him, but critics have pointed to his decision-making under pressure and accuracy issues as key indicators, raising eyebrows about his readiness to lead a franchise still reeling from the post-Drew Brees era in New Orleans.
Yet, Moore and the Saints’ brass appear optimistic about Rattler’s offseason development. “Spencer earned this through his work ethic and command of the offense,” Moore said in his press conference. Rattler showed flashes in the 2025 preseason, completing 30 of 43 passes (69.8%) for 295 yards, one touchdown, and one interception across three games, good for an 86.9 passer rating. His mobility adds a dimension that could complement the Saints’ weapons like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, both healthy after injury-plagued 2024 seasons. If Rattler can build on these glimpses, he could silence doubters and stabilise a team aiming to rebound in the NFC South.
What’s going on with Tyler Shough?
But here’s where the conundrum deepens: If Rattler falters again, what then? Enter Tyler Shough, the Saints’ bold second-round investment (No. 40 overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Louisville. Selected as the third quarterback off the board that year, Shough represented New Orleans’ attempt to inject high-upside talent into a depleted QB room. At 25 years old (turning 26 in September), the well-traveled college journeyman is already He brings arm strength and experience, but his preseason showing has been anything but reassuring.
In three preseason games, Shough went 36-for-56 (64.3%) for 347 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, posting an 81.8 passer rating. The full Shough experience was evident in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers, when having just thrown a pick six in the third quarter, the former Louisville QB made a gorgeous 54 yard touchdown pass.
He also flashed mobility with an 11-yard rushing touchdown against the Denver Broncos, but ultimately his performances were marred by inconsistency, including a 12-of-20 outing in the finale where he struggled with accuracy and decision-making. Shough himself expressed disappointment after losing the job: “As a competitor, it’s tough, but I’ll support Spencer and stay ready.” Analysts have noted his mechanical issues and adjustment to NFL speed, echoing concerns from his injury-riddled college career.
The Saints’ decision to go with Rattler over Shough has amplified worries about the rookie’s development; and the team’s draft strategy. As the highest-drafted Saints quarterback since Archie Manning in 1971, Shough was expected to push for immediate playing time, but his underwhelming camp has rivals like the Carolina Panthers chuckling at New Orleans’ expense. Fan sentiment mirrors this unease; online discussions question whether either quarterback profiles as a long-term solution; in other words.
How concerned should the Saints be? On a scale of mild unease to full-blown panic, it’s leaning toward the latter if Rattler regresses. Shough’s poor showings don’t bode well for his immediate impact; he’s likely relegated to backup duties, with limited snaps unless injury or blowouts intervene. Moore’s offense, known for its creativity from his Cowboys days, could mask some deficiencies, but without marked improvement from both, New Orleans risks another lost season, and perhaps eyeing the 2026 draft for yet another reset.
As the Saints gear up for Week 1, the quarterback room remains a puzzle with mismatched pieces. Rattler has the keys now, but Shough’s shadow, and the team’s investment in him, looms large.
Let’s hope that at least one of the two can shine in 2025. In a league where quarterback play defines success, New Orleans’ conundrum could define their fate.
