New Orleans Saints safety Justin Reid is playing his cards close to his chest regarding the quarterback situation on the team. Justin Reid commented on the struggle between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler—but don't look for any campy declarations. With training camp still weeks out, Justin Reid insisted both quarterbacks are getting equal opportunity, and the competition is wide open.
Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler sharing the reps, according to Justin Reid
Justin Reid, one of the more media-savvy veterans in the New Orleans Saints lineup, was diplomatic in his response when asked to comment on the quarterback situation unfolding on his new roster with new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. The 2025 season brings new uncertainty to the Saints' quarterback situation, with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, a second-round pick, competing with second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler as he tries to solidify himself.
At the American Century Championship—a celebrity golf tournament with more than 90 athletes and celebrities—Justin Reid was directly asked if either quarterback has come out in front during the team's offseason workouts. Smiling knowingly, he replied to The Sporting News, “We feel it’s a competition. I mean, both guys are getting first-team reps, and you know, it's about them just making the most of an opportunity.
It's kind of hard to see what you got in OTAs. You know, really tastes when some pads get put on, I really think when the preseason games come around, that things will start to align themselves more. But right now, it's just not healthy competition.”
Though Tyler Shough has been complimented on the accuracy of his deep ball and his timing on out-breaking routes at OTAs and rookie minicamp, there isn't a definitive feeling within the building that he's the future of the franchise.
Spencer Rattler, while more seasoned, hasn't locked down the starting position either. So the door remains wide open as the team enters training camp.Also read: Donald Trump pushes to restore Washington’s original NFL name, backed by Native American leadersWith both Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler competing for the starter position and no dominant leader having emerged as yet, the New Orleans Saints are about to reach a make-or-break assessment period. As Justin Reid stressed, true testing starts when the pads go on.In the meantime, it's an even playing field, and fans will have to wait until preseason play to find out who steps up to the challenge. For the moment, Reid's mind is on golf swings, not quarterback depth charts, but the Saints' in-house competition is just getting underway.
