The New Orleans Saints’ quarterback competition has become one of the most closely watched storylines of the NFL summer. Second round pick Tyler Shough is in a prime position to seize the starting job although young Spencer Rattler will have a say in the matter. While the decision hasn’t been made as to who the starter will be, the Saints overall structure points very clearly in one direction. With a revamped coaching staff, improved roster health, and a favorable infrastructure, optimism is building in the Crescent City that the Saints may have finally found the right formula at football’s most important position.
The Saints’ approach to the quarterback position has been methodical. They helped facility Derek Carr’s ouster (and subsequent retirement) and then selected Tyler Shough early in the second round after selecting top offensive tackle prospect Kelvin Banks Jr in the first round . Shough’s situation is unique among this year’s rookie QBs: he’s entering a team environment that is far stronger than those facing fellow early-round picks like Cam Ward (Titans) and Jackson Dart (Giants). A stronger environment is more likely to allow a rookie to succeed and is an indicator that Saints are leaning toward Tyler Shough.
A detailed look at Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades from 2024 reveals why Shough’s landing spot stands out:
- Rushing Attack: The Saints posted an 84.7 rushing grade last season, well ahead of the Titans (72.7) and Giants (75.0). This strong ground game, expected to improve even further under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, will take pressure off any young quarterback.
- Receiving Corps: While the Saints’ receiving grade (67.1) trailed slightly behind their peers, the difference was marginal and largely attributed to last year’s injuries and inconsistent quarterback play. With better health and improved QB performance, this group is expected to rebound.
- Pass Blocking: Injuries hampered the Saints’ offensive line in 2024, resulting in a 51.7 pass-blocking grade. However, offseason additions, most notably first round choice Kelvin Banks Jr. at tackle, should provide a significant boost. The Titans (60.1) and Giants (57.6) were only marginally better, and the Saints’ upgrades could quickly close the gap.
- Run Blocking: Here, the Saints truly excelled, earning a 67.8 grade compared to 59.7 (Giants) and 46.4 (Titans). This advantage in the trenches is expected to open up the playbook for Shough and the offense as a whole.
The arrival of Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator is another reason for optimism. Moore’s track record includes helping Dak Prescott thrive as a rookie in Dallas and supporting Jalen Hurts’ recent success in Philadelphia. Both quarterbacks benefited from strong supporting casts, much like the one Shough inherits in New Orleans. Moore’s ability to scheme receivers open and maximize the run game is expected to elevate the entire offense.
When it comes to the QB position there is a clear pattern: non-first-round quarterbacks who succeed early, like Brock Purdy, Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, and Kirk Cousins, all entered situations with strong infrastructure, solid coaching, and playmakers around them. The Saints’ current roster, when healthy, fits that mold: a deep running back room, a solid offensive line, reliable receivers, and a defense with multiple playmakers.
Last season, the Saints started strong before being decimated by injuries, which forced backups and third-stringers into key roles. The Saints disappointing finish has led many to believe that the talent in New Orleans is subpar. But a healthy Saints squad is a contending football team as evidenced by the two 40-point blow-out performances the Saints began the 2024 season with.
Given the strength of the roster and coaching staff, the Saints are in an ideal position to start Shough early and accelerate his development. A strong supporting cast can help mask rookie mistakes and build confidence, while also giving the coaching staff a true evaluation of his long-term potential. In contrast, rookies on teams with weaker infrastructure face steeper challenges and a higher risk of early struggles. Simply put, good rosters should play rookie QBs, bad rosters should sit them.
While Spencer Rattler still remains in the mix, the data and context increasingly point to Tyler Shough as the favorite. The Saints’ front office and coaching staff appear to be aligning behind the idea that, with the right support, Shough could do something special for New Orleans this season and in the future.
As training camp and preseason approach, the Saints’ quarterback battle will remain under the microscope. But with a healthy roster, improved coaching, and a rookie QB set up for success, New Orleans fans have plenty of reason for optimism. If Shough wins the job, he’ll be stepping into one of the NFL’s most favorable situations for a young signal-caller.
Disclaimer: The content of this article was originally published as a YouTube video on the Saturday Morning Inspection YouTube channel. With AI assistance, the publisher of the video created this article based on the content of that video.
