The best thing that could happen for the New Orleans Saints is they walk away from 2025 knowing exactly what they have in their quarterback room. Ideally, that would entail Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough grabbing firm control of the starting quarterback role and not letting go.
That may seem simple but with two young guys competing for the role it will require execution from the young quarterback and patience from the coaching staff. Unless either guy comes out the gate next season blowing it out the water, the latter is going to be necessary.
Even in a less than ideal situation of the quarterbacks struggling mightily, there is value in knowing where each quarterback stands. Let’s be clear, though, it will be difficult to truly discern what you’re getting from Shough in his first year.
Kellen Moore and his coaching staff must be patient with Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler
Moore has never developed a quarterback. He may have done a good job maximizing the talents of Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts, but that is not the same as developing a rookie or second-year quarterback. This will be as much of a learning process for Moore as it is for Shough and Rattler.
There’s a strong chance there are going to be stretches of bad play from whoever the quarterback is. It may be appealing to throw the loser of the quarterback battle in there, assuming both men look strong in training camp. Don’t do it. Bouncing between quarterbacks limits the evaluation of how the quarterback responds to failure and adversity. It should only be done if Moore is ready to close the book on the starter.
If Shough starts the season, he will likely get a longer leash than Rattler. Shough is this staff’s pick and you’re going to be eager to see what you have in him. Not eager enough to undeservingly start him over Rattler. Whoever the starter is, however, you have to let them take their bumps and watch how they respond.
A clear end to 2025 is a clear beginning to 2026
It is very difficult to make a decision on a quarterback as a rookie. Most quarterbacks will need at least two years before you have this clarity. Discerning the potential of Tyler Shough specifically would pay major dividends going into next offseason.
Ideally, a quarterback emerges as a franchise quarterback, but both quarterbacks showing they aren’t franchise quarterbacks has its upside as well. The Saints should not feel married to any quarterback beyond 2025. They shouldn’t be looking to 2026, but if quarterback play is deplorable, they shouldn’t be afraid to look for a quarterback in the draft again.
The Saints should be able to go into next April either firmly knowing you need a quarterback or knowing there’s no plans to take one. That certainty would also be paired with a draft position that is reflective of the quarterback’s performance. The Saints don’t have a supporting cast that will make up for terrible quarterback play. If Shough, Rattler or both are deplorable, the Saints may be in line for a top-5 pick.
Being in that position due to poor quarterback play may push New Orleans to reinvest. The Saints would be in reach of a player with a higher perceived ceiling than the players currently on the roster.