The New Orleans Saints entered training camp with no clear starting quarterback. Two weeks in, new head coach Kellen Moore insists the race remains open. Still, early camp action says otherwise.
Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and rookie Tyler Shough were all listed as co-starters on the Saints’ first unofficial depth chart, but Rattler appears to have a slight edge. Each name was separated by “OR,” signaling a true competition. Despite that, reports indicate Rattler has received the majority of first-team reps through the first week of practice.
Rattler Leads Early
According to NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, Rattler took the initial reps with the starters at Tuesday’s practice. That makes him the first quarterback in camp to do so for a second consecutive day. After starting six games last season and throwing for nearly 1,400 yards, Rattler’s experience seems to be paying off.
While Moore hasn’t publicly ranked his quarterbacks, the distribution of reps suggests a growing level of confidence in Rattler’s ability to lead the offense. His familiarity with the speed of the pro game and early success in live reps gives him a leg up on the competition.
Shough Remains in the Picture
The Saints selected Tyler Shough with the 45th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and quickly signed him to a four-year, fully guaranteed $10.8 million contract. That investment shows how much the Saints believe in his future. However, the rookie has struggled to keep pace so far. Shough has mostly worked with the second team and occasionally with the third unit, getting fewer total snaps than Rattler and Haener.
Shough’s college career was riddled with injuries. But he brings size, mobility, and arm talent. As training camp continues and preseason games begin, he’ll have a chance to earn more time with the starters if he can deliver under pressure.
If Shough does win the starting job, he will become the first Week 1 rookie starting quarterback for the Saints since Archie Manning in 1971. When the Saints selected Shough, he became the highest drafted quarterback by the organization since Manning.
Haener’s Window Closing
Jake Haener is in danger of falling behind in the Saints’ quarterback race. The 2023 fourth-round pick was passed over in favor of Rattler as Derek Carr’s replacement last season. In camp, Haener has taken reps with all three units but has yet to generate any real momentum.
Without a standout skill that separates him from Rattler or Shough, Haener is running out of time to change the narrative. Unless his performance improves in preseason games, he is likely on the outside looking in for the starting job.
Next Steps for the Saints
The Saints open their preseason against the Los Angeles Chargers. All three quarterbacks are expected to see action, but how Moore divides those reps could indicate who’s closest to locking up the job.
Moore has emphasized competition throughout camp and has not put a timeline on naming a starter. However, the coaching staff is expected to narrow the field after the second preseason game. That would allow the winner time to prepare for Week 1.
With no veteran presence in the quarterback room, the Saints are banking on one of their young passers to emerge. So far, Spencer Rattler has done the most to seize that opportunity. Tyler Shough’s upside keeps him firmly in the conversation, while Jake Haener may need a strong preseason to stay in the mix.
