The New Orleans Saints quarterback room is in disarray, as veteran Derek Carr could miss the season with a shoulder injury while rookie Tyler Shough and youngsters Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener battle for what might be an unoccupied QB1 spot. Shough is one of the most controversial draft picks in recent memory, as New Orleans used a top-40 selection on a player who will be 26 when Week 1 rolls around. Rattler and Haener, meanwhile, had their opportunities last year but never did enough to establish themselves as the future of the organization.
While the offseason will ultimately determine who wins the Saints quarterback battle, one anonymous NFL executive believes Tyler Shough is the clear frontrunner, per Mike Sando of The Athletic. “I’d be surprised if the quarterback is not starting for them. He has the arm talent. He is really smart. He comes across as a veteran already. With him, it’s about staying healthy.”
NFL Exec: Tyler Shough Will Win Saints Quarterback Battle
This is a safe assessment for several reasons. First and foremost is the draft capital. Tyler Shough probably wouldn’t have been a second-round pick if he weren’t part of a weak quarterback class, but first-year head coach Kellen Moore and company believed in him enough to use an early second-round pick to secure his services. While he is a rookie, he’s not a spring chicken, so the team will want to see him on the field as soon as possible.
Additionally, former fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler didn’t make the most of his opportunities last year. While he had his moments, he ultimately went 0-6 in his six starts while completing just 57% of his passes for 1,371 yards, 5.8 yards per attempt, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. Maybe he can develop into a servicable backup, but these aren’t the numbers of a potential franchise quarterback. Jake Haener, meanwhile, only made one start through his two years in the league and looked terrible while on the field. Depending on Carr’s health, he may not make the roster.
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