The New Orleans Saints quarterbacks prepare for the competition as they practice together on the field.
The New Orleans Saints have launched their quarterback competition during OTAs, with Jake Haener sidelined due to injury. Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough are competing for the starting position, while the team considers adding a veteran quarterback. As training camp approaches, the team’s strategy is to evaluate the players based on current abilities, promoting a level playing field in their search for a capable starter.
New Orleans – The New Orleans Saints have officially kicked off their quarterback competition during organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamps, despite quarterback Jake Haener sidelined with an oblique strain. Haener is projected to miss a couple of weeks, likely the remainder of the OTAs, but he is expected to be ready for the start of training camp later this summer.
The Saints currently have four quarterbacks on their roster as they navigate the offseason: Jake Haener, Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough, and undrafted free agent Hunter Dekkers. With Haener out, Rattler and Shough are emerging as the leading contenders for the starting quarterback position for the upcoming season.
Spencer Rattler, who made six starts last season, is seeking to secure his first victory in the NFL, while Tyler Shough, selected in the second round of the recent draft, represents a significant investment by the Saints in his potential as a future starter. Despite their youth and inexperience at the NFL level, both Rattler and Shough have been sharing first-team snaps during OTAs as they work to establish themselves in the Saints’ quarterback lineup.
The overall experience of the Saints’ quarterback room is notably limited, with a total of only 15 games of NFL experience among all four quarterbacks. To address potential gaps in experience and leadership, the Saints are considering bringing in a veteran quarterback, such as Teddy Bridgewater, who previously played for the team from 2018 to 2019. During his time with the Saints, Bridgewater appeared in 14 games, starting six and throwing for 10 touchdown passes with just three interceptions.
Coach Kellen Moore, who is overseeing the team’s quarterback competition, has indicated that every quarterback will have opportunities to work with the first-team offense during the OTAs. This approach aims to foster a level playing field, with Moore emphasizing a “blank slate” for all quarterbacks, suggesting that prior performance will not dictate the chances for each player this year. It reflects a commitment to evaluating the quarterbacks solely based on their current abilities and potential.
Rattler’s rookie season was marred by challenges, including injuries that affected the effectiveness of the starting offensive unit. He remains optimistic about the lessons learned from those adversities and is poised to capitalize on this opportunity during the competition. Shough, with a fresh start following his selection in the draft, is also eager to showcase his skills as he competes for the chance to lead the Saints’ offense.
In light of Haener’s injury, the Saints are actively assessing their quarterback options while simultaneously focusing on team dynamics and strategy. As training camp approaches, the competition is expected to intensify, with all eyes on how Rattler, Shough, and potentially a new veteran addition like Bridgewater will perform in the coming weeks.
The next few weeks will be critical for the Saints as they work through the quarterback competition. As the team’s previous starting quarterback, Derek Carr, announced his retirement on May 10 due to a shoulder injury, the Saints are in a crucial phase of establishing their leadership at the quarterback position for the upcoming season. With a mix of experience, youth, and potential, the Saints’ coaching staff is hopeful that they can find a capable starter to lead the team’s offensive efforts in the upcoming NFL season.
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