Saints Navigate 2025 Season With New QB, Staff Amid Development Challenges

The New Orleans Saints are projected to face a challenging 2025 NFL season with a predicted 5-12 record, focusing on long-term benefits rather than immediate success due to significant roster changes, including a new head coach, new starting quarterback, and coaching staff adjustments. The team grapples with a critical quarterback situation after Derek Carr's retirement, relying on Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener, none of whom currently present as star players; the Saints are also linked to Texas quarterback Arch Manning as a potential first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, though recent struggles may affect that plan. Rookie Tommy Mellott, waived by the Las Vegas Raiders, has joined the Saints' practice squad, potentially benefiting from the team's rebuilding phase and learning from players like Taysom Hill. Tyler Shough, the Saints' recent first- or second-round quarterback draft pick, has an injury-riddled but promising college career and is expected to contribute significantly as the team's new starting quarterback. The Saints emphasize developing chemistry within the new coaching staff and improving player health, with hopes that new Director of Sports Performance Ted Rath will reduce injuries that have hindered the team in recent seasons.