The New Orleans Saints are entering what could be the most pivotal offseason quarterback battle in recent memory, and it’s generating a lot of buzz—particularly given how crucial the quarterback position is in today’s NFL.
Though other teams are experiencing similar competitions—like a presumed battle in Tennessee, albeit one that seems unlikely to deny the 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward his Week 1 starter status, plus contests brewing in Cleveland and Indianapolis—what sets New Orleans’s situation apart is its genuine ambiguity. There’s authentic uncertainty surrounding who will lead this offense, and that’s putting an exciting, perhaps nerve‑wracking spotlight on the Saints as training camp begins.
Let’s break down the three key contenders:
1. Tyler Shough • Second‑Round Draft Pick
Draft pedigree: New Orleans used a significant asset—a second‑round pick—to select Shough in the 2025 NFL Draft. That kind of investment underscores their belief in his potential.
College performance: Shough didn’t just play; he excelled. In his last collegiate campaign, he earned a 94.3 passing grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) on throws at or beyond the first down marker—an indicator of both arm strength and accuracy under pressure.
Health concerns: Despite that bright production, there have been durability issues. Teams will be watching closely to see if his body can withstand the rigors of an NFL calendar.
2. Spencer Rattler • The Summer Storyline
Rattler has quietly—or not so quietly—injected fresh intrigue into this competition. His name has been trending upward across offseason reviews and early summer camps, earning attention for sure, and for good reason.
While New Orleans’s passing game struggled last season—it posted the lowest PFF passing grade in the entire league (50.4)—Rattler was part of that group. Still, his improvement and showing in drills have many wondering whether he might be the team’s “surprise starter.”
3. Jake Haener • Veteran Presence
Haener brings experience—an intangible that always matters when there’s no clear frontrunner.
He struggled last season as part of a historically weak passing roster, but he’s not out of the picture. Even an injury won’t keep General Manager Mickey Loomis and the coaching staff from reassessing what Haener brings to the table.
His steadiness and familiarity with the offense could give him an edge if Shough needs more time to recover or adjust, or if Rattler fumbles under the early spotlight.
Why This Isn’t Just Another QB Competition
No clear favorite: Unlike teams that have picked a presumed starter, the Saints are genuinely undecided, and all three contenders—rookie, veteran, and underdog—are still very much in the running.
Last season’s struggles: New Orleans posted a league-worst 50.4 PFF passing grade with Carr’s retirement. With no standout performer emerging, the organization doubled down by drafting Shough—clearly expecting someone to step up.
High expectations: Any team that drafts a quarterback in Round 2 isn’t doing so out of vanity. The expectation is that player competes. That pushes the veteran competition higher, and at the same time, it puts pressure on Shough to hit the ground running.
What to Watch As Camp Begins
1. Early reps in live practice
Who gets the bulk of the live-drill snaps? That usage often indicates where the coaches are leaning.
2. Performance under pressure
Each QB will be evaluated not just on accuracy, but poise in pressure-filled, pre-snap scenarios.
3. Health trajectory
Shough’s medicals and any re-emergence of past injuries will be heavily scrutinized, while Haener’s recovery from injury will be monitored too.
4. Coaches’ comments
Look for subtle signals from the Saints’ offensive staff—who’s being mentioned? Who’s drawing praise?
5. Exhibition games
Preseason matchups—though limited in sample size—often serve as the first live testing ground. How each player looks in real game settings will go a long way.
Final Thoughts
This is no mere competition. It’s the cornerstone of the Saints’ offseason narrative and maybe their season. Pick the right leader, and the offense that floundered in 2024 gets a much-needed reset. Pick wrong—or no one really emerges—and they could be looking at a repeat of last year’s struggles. With Shough’s draft capital backing him, Rattler’s ascending buzz, and Haener’s veteran steadiness, the Saints have the rare dilemma of having three viable, compelling options.
So as the summer wears on, this QB battle isn’t just one of the most intriguing in the NFL—it might be the most pivotal. New Orleans’s fate this season may well rise or fall on which of these men earns the right to be under center on opening night.
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