Saints Name Spencer Rattler Starting QB Over Tyler Shough

The New Orleans Saints have named Spencer Rattler their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, a surprising decision given their recent second-round draft pick, Tyler Shough, was expected to be the starter. Head coach Kellen Moore cited Rattler's consistency, ability to make plays with both arm and feet, and his rapport with teammates as key reasons for the choice, despite Rattler's 0-6 record as a starter last season and a completion rate of just 57%. Moore emphasized that the quarterback competition was close but favored Rattler's experience and expressed a desire to avoid ongoing debates by committing to him as the starter while Shough continues to develop. Rattler, a former South Carolina player and fifth-round pick in 2024, had started six games last year amid injuries to Derek Carr, but the team finished 5-12 overall. The Saints begin their season at home against the Arizona Cardinals, where Rattler, a Pinnacle High School alum, will face his hometown team. Despite the team's struggles and ongoing development needs, the decision reflects confidence in Rattler's growth and resilience following a challenging rookie year.