The New Orleans Saints won't rush to an answer for one of the biggest offseason mysteries of this year. Their quarterback competition is just now ramping up as OTAs practices unfold, and players begin to stake their claim toward a starting role or increased playing opportunities.
Quarterback decisions could shift season
Ben Solak of ESPN pinpointed the QB competition in New Orleans as one of his "jobs with question marks" around the league. He is spot on with this evaluation of where the QB situation has gone for New Orleans in recent weeks.
Unlike the Colts' battle, I'm doubtful that this one is actually real. But according to new coach Kellen Moore, second-year pro Spencer Rattler will fight 2025 draft selection Tyler Shough for the QB1 spot following Derek Carr's retirement.
The tea leaves read to me thusly: The Saints were happy to spend another year with Carr at the helm, but then they got the bad news about his throwing shoulder, suspected his retirement and prioritized an early quarterback selection with Shough at No. 40. This coaching staff was not around when Rattler was drafted, and if it had real interest in him as a developmental starter, it wouldn't have taken Shough as highly as it did.
-- Ben Solak, ESPN
A realistic expectation
I fully expect Shough to get every chance to win this job for Kellen Moore. You do not invest the 40th overall pick in the NFL Draft to let that player sit behind unproven options.
Spencer Rattler had some exciting moments as a rookie a season ago, but his inconsistency won't lend itself well to Moore's system and hopes for his starting QB. The competition surely is not over yet. It is only June.
That being said, Shough's mobility, arm talent, and character may give him the edge over the other quarterback in New Orleans. I think that's also the smartest move for the Saints in 2025.
