There's not a position with more eyes on it in New Orleans than quarterback. The position already holds elevated importance in general, and now the New Orleans Saints are embarking on a battle between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler for the starting role. The worst thing that can happen is they must award that title to someone who didn't earn it.
The last time the Saints had a quarterback battle was just a few years ago between Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill. Winston had a strong offseason and won the job. There was still a role for Hill, but more importantly Winston went and took the job.
Things ended up not working for Winston, but you need someone to go take the job like he did in 2021. There is going to be a battle and someone has to be crowned the victor. Walking away from the battle without a quarterback you can feel optimistic about would be deflating.
Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler needs to go and grab the starting role
We've previously laid out the best case scenario for the Saints at quarterback is to gain some sense of clarity at the position that helps you understand how to move in 2026. You don't, however, want to step into 2025 with zero hope at the position.
Shough and Rattler are going head to head this training camp and will likely take the majority of the preseason snaps. The preseason is likely where this battle is won or loss, hopefully. There's a chance neither one of these quarterbacks show themselves ready to take control of the offense. If that's the case, get ready for a long year.
If the decision is tough, the hope it's because both quarterbacks have been playing equally well. Both are stealing the show in practice and making big time plays in the preseason. Walking out of preseason slated to pick the lesser of two evils leaves you doomed for a poor 2025.
Would the Saints explore a veteran quarterback under these circumstances?
The door will always be open to adding a veteran quarterback to the room. That veteran can play a mentorship role or be a starter. If the Saints see through the preseason neither Rattler or Shough are ready to start, the Saints may find themselves compelled to grab a starter.
That decision should be made prior to the season. If the Saints haven't added a veteran quarterback by the time Week 1 rolls around, they must ride it out with the young guys. The difference between adding a veteran before the season and during the season is optics.
Prior to the season signifies the end of the Rattler experiment and a year delay on Shough taking the reigns. If the Saints grab a veteran in the middle of the season, it likely means they saw both young guys in live action and didn't like what they saw.