Who Should I Start? Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler

Thursday, May 29, 2:57 PM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, who is firmly in the battle for the QB1 job, had an "encouraging performance" during Thursday's OTA practice. "Shough showed it today," Saints reporter Nick Underhill wrote. "Hit two bombs for TDs, real nice layered throw going to the sideline and had an incomplete pass on the move that barely missed but athleticism flashed." The 25-year-old is likely the favorite to be the Week 1 starter in Kellen Moore's new offense after the sudden retirement of Derek Carr (shoulder), so the positive report is promising. Shough was a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after tossing for 7,820 yards, 59 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions in 42 collegiate games with Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville. He also scored 11 career rushing touchdowns. Shough is no stranger to learning a new system on the fly, so he could exceed relatively low expectations in Year 1.

Friday, May 23, 12:31 PM

The New Orleans Times-Picayune's Matthew Paras reports that New Orleans Saints second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler looked very comfortable during the team's OTA practice on Thursday, and you could tell that he has a year under his belt. Meanwhile, rookie second-rounder Tyler Shough was a little more hesitant, although he shined on a deep ball to receiver Rashid Shaheed down the sideline. Everyone is already expecting Shough to win the QB competition in New Orleans after the sudden retirement of Derek Carr this offseason, but the 24-year-old Rattler isn't going to go down with a fight in an open competition this spring and summer. Rattler completed just 57% of his passes for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games in 2024 as a rookie, but he has the experience edge and could get the nod if Shough isn't quite ready to start in Week 1 this fall.