Meet the Saints’ Future: Spotlight on QBs Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener

Derek Carr’s retirement has left the New Orleans Saints in a unique quarterback situation. Currently, they have three quarterbacks on the roster, none of whom has a win as a starter in the NFL.

The Saints are carrying Spencer Rattler, a 2024 fifth-round pick, and Jake Haener, a fourth-round pick from 2023. Last season, when Carr was out with injuries, Rattler started six games and Haener made one appearance. Unfortunately, the Saints lost all seven games, with both quarterbacks averaging just 5.8 yards per pass attempt.

The Saints have also added rookie Tyler Shough, a second-round pick. At 25 years old, Shough comes with a wealth of college experience, having played for Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville. The Saints likely viewed him as a potential successor to Carr, especially knowing about Carr’s shoulder injury when they drafted him.

Interestingly, Taysom Hill is listed as a tight end, but he is actually the most seasoned quarterback on the team. With a 7-2 record as a starter, he holds an impressive career stat line of 193 completions on 302 attempts, totaling 2,369 yards, along with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. In fact, Hill has more wins and yards than the other three quarterbacks combined.

As training camp approaches, it looks like the Saints are set for an open competition among their quarterbacks. Whether they will bring in another player remains uncertain, but the upcoming battles will be crucial for the team’s future.

In recent years, NFL teams have been placing a growing emphasis on developing young quarterbacks. According to a 2023 study by Pro Football Focus, more than half of the league’s starting quarterbacks in 2022 were drafted within the last two years. This trend indicates a shift in how teams are approaching quarterback development, which may have influenced the Saints’ decisions.

Given this context, the Saints could be opting for a strategy focused on nurturing talent like Shough, while also supporting Rattler and Haener. The next few months will be significant as they shape the future of their quarterback lineup.

For more insights on NFL quarterback trends, check out Pro Football Focus.

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