News Summary
The New Orleans Saints are in a fierce competition for the starting quarterback position between rookie Tyler Shough and second-year player Spencer Rattler. Both players have shown modest performances, without establishing themselves as clear starters. As the team hones in on the 2026 NFL Draft, speculation arises about potentially trading up to pick No. 3 for Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, emphasizing the Saints’ determination to secure a strong future at quarterback amidst financial challenges and the recent retirement of Derek Carr.
New Orleans – The New Orleans Saints are currently experiencing a heated competition for the starting quarterback position between rookie Tyler Shough and second-year player Spencer Rattler. As the team approaches the end of the preseason without a named starter, both quarterbacks have exhibited modest performances without establishing themselves as clear franchise options. The urgency to find a reliable leader at quarterback is intensified by the potential for the Saints to secure a top pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
The scenario has led to speculation regarding the Saints’ strategic moves in the draft. ESPN analyst Field Yates has suggested that the team could potentially trade up to the No. 3 overall pick in a bid to select Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, should the opportunity arise. This mock trade would involve the Saints moving from pick No. 5 to No. 3, engaging in a deal with the Tennessee Titans. Such a move would underscore the Saints’ commitment to bolstering their future at the quarterback position.
Head coach Kellen Moore has highlighted the closely contested nature of the battle between Shough and Rattler, noting that neither has yet established a definitive edge. Rattler, who was a fifth-round pick from South Carolina last season, has completed 71.4% of his passes this preseason for a total of 252 yards, recording one touchdown and one interception. Meanwhile, Shough, completing 70.6% of his passes for 231 yards, also has one touchdown and one interception this preseason. Both players have faced pressure, with a combined total of three sacks between them in their preseason outings.
As the preseason draws to a close, the Saints remain one of the last teams without a designated starting quarterback, a situation that adds pressure as they prepare for their season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. The ongoing quarterback competition has been a focal point throughout training camp, with both players pushing to demonstrate their viability as the team’s long-term solution at the position.
Last season, the Saints struggled significantly when their starting quarterback, Derek Carr, was unable to play, resulting in Rattler and another quarterback failing to secure a single victory. Carr’s unexpected retirement has left the Saints in a challenging financial position, marked by the worst salary cap scenario in the league. However, the team has opted to push financial issues into the future, seeking to rebound and revitalize their roster.
In addition to the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position, Derek Carr has taken on a new role as part of a broadcast team for a YouTube TV game featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, providing fans with insight from his experiences despite his absence from the field.
As the Saints continue to evaluate their options, Coach Kellen Moore has not set a firm deadline for when a starting quarterback will be named. The team’s leadership is focused on ensuring that their ultimate decision aligns with their aspirations for the 2026 NFL Draft and beyond, as they look to secure a more stable future at the quarterback position.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Saints Not Ready to Name Starting QB
- Google Search: New Orleans Saints quarterback competition
- CBS Sports: Saints QB Battle Details
- Wikipedia: 2026 NFL Draft
- NOLA: Derek Carr’s New Role
- Google Scholar: Derek Carr NFL 2023
- USA Today: Arch Manning’s NFL Draft Comments
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arch Manning
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
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