New Orleans Saints leave it to last minute to finally announce starting quarterback – and it’s not good news for rookie

THE New Orleans Saints have announced their starting quarterback for the upcoming season.

The Saints’ two QBs, Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, have spent preseason battling for the starting spot.

AP

Spencer Rattler has been named New Orleans Saints starting quarterback[/caption]

AP

Rattler in action against the Denver Broncos in a preseason game[/caption]

Head coach Kellen Moore had previously praised both stars and admitted it was a difficult decision.

However, Moore named Rattler as the Saints’ starting quarterback on Tuesday.

This leaves second-round pick Shough to fill in as number two.

Shough was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft from the Louisville Cardinals.

Earlier in the day, Moore cut Jake Haener, who wasn’t expected to compete for the starting role.

New Orleans drafted Rattler in 2024 as a fifth-rounder as a backup to Derek Carr.

However, he played seven games in total last year after Carr suffered injuries.

The 24-year-old became the side’s starting quarterback in Week 6 after Carr suffered an injury.

Rattler rotated with Carr and Haener throughout the rest of the season.

In Week 15, he replaced Haener in the second half and threw a touchdown to Foster Moreau with no time left on the clock.

He finished with over 1300 passing yards and four touchdowns, setting the franchise’s record for the most passing yards by a rookie.

The Saints had hoped Carr would continue this season, but the 34-year-old announced his retirement in May after injury issues.

His statement said, “Upon reflection of prayer, and in discussion with Heather, I’ve decided to retire from the National Football League.”

“For more than 11 years, we have been incredibly blessed, and we are forever grateful and humbled by this experience. 

“It’s difficult to find the right words to express our thanks to all the teammates, coaches, management, ownership, team officials and especially the fans who made this journey so special.

“Your unwavering support has meant the world to us.”

New Orleans went winless throughout preseason but did manage a 17-17 tie in their second match against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

After a 27-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Saints ended preseason with a nine-point loss to the Denver Broncos.

Shough played the majority of the downs and threw for over 100 yards with 12/20 completions.

Rattler, on the other hand, threw five completions from a possible eight, with a total of 43 yards gained.

Moore praised the 24-year-old, saying, “Could have been better, obviously, but it was solid.”