News Summary
The New Orleans Saints are entering the 2025 NFL season amidst significant quarterback competition following veteran Derek Carr’s retirement. With Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener vying for the starting position, the team looks to rebuild under new head coach Kellen Moore’s quarterback-friendly system. Healthy competition and collaboration among young quarterbacks may pave the way for success in a division seen as open for the taking.
New Orleans – The New Orleans Saints are set to enter the 2025 NFL season facing significant quarterback competition while trying to prove their underdog status in a relatively weak division. Following the retirement of veteran quarterback Derek Carr, the Saints are in search of a new starting quarterback to lead the team amidst an aging roster that shows promise if players can stay healthy.
The quarterback battle is primarily between Tyler Shough, selected 40th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Spencer Rattler, who had a rocky start to his NFL career. Adding to the mix is Jake Haener, who has struggled to make progress due to injuries. All three quarterbacks, along with undrafted rookie free agent Hunter Dekkers, bring limited experience to the team, with a combined total of only 15 games played and seven starts.
Quarterback Competitors in Focus
Shough, often referred to as a “draft-day steal,” is viewed as a player who can have an immediate impact. His performance during organized team activities has garnered attention, showcasing his ability to make noteworthy throws. In contrast, Rattler faced challenges during his rookie season, failing to win any games as a starter, which raises questions about his readiness to take on the starting role.
Meanwhile, Haener’s competitive edge has been hampered by injuries, causing him to miss valuable practice time and fall behind his peers in the competition for the starting job. Despite these obstacles, the Saints remain optimistic about their quarterback room’s future.
New Coaching Dynamics
Under the guidance of new head coach Kellen Moore, the Saints’ offense is expected to be quarterback-friendly. Moore’s system emphasizes run-pass options (RPOs) designed to simplify the quarterback’s responsibilities, allowing them to feel more comfortable on the field. Offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment that helps quarterbacks thrive rather than overwhelming them.
Both Rattler and Shough are adapting to this new play-calling approach, with the potential for a strong camaraderie forming among the young quarterbacks. All four quarterbacks are relatively close in age and are learning the nuances of the offense together, fostering a spirit of competition and collaboration.
Opportunities and Expectations
The coaching staff has emphasized their commitment to evaluating every quarterback on the roster without bias towards their past performances. Kellen Moore has indicated that all quarterbacks will receive opportunities to work with the first-team offense during organized team activities (OTAs), promoting a “blank slate” approach to the quarterback position.
As the offseason continues, the competition remains open, and the Saints have yet to determine who will be named the starting quarterback. The decision is expected to evolve as training camp progresses and more opportunities for evaluation arise. The team is hopeful that a healthy and productive offseason will pave the way for success in a division they believe is ripe for the taking.
Looking Ahead
Despite mixed perceptions, the Saints are embracing their status and looking to compete in a season filled with uncertainty. With an experienced staff and young talent, they have the potential to surprise fans and analysts alike. The focus on developing their quarterbacks under a new offense presents an opportunity for revitalization and potential success as the season approaches.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Saints Focus on Strengthening Secondary for Upcoming Season
Additional Resources
- NOLA: Saints QBs Share What to Expect Out of Kellen Moore Offense
- ESPN: New Orleans Saints Quarterback Competition
- Who Dat Dish: Saints Rookie QB Tyler Shough
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NFL Quarterback
- Google Search: New Orleans Saints quarterbacks 2025
