Contestant Prospects for the Next Saints Quarterback Position Following Derek Carr's Retirement Announcement
Rewritten Article:
In the forthcoming 2025 season, the New Orleans Saints find themselves scrambling to identify their Week 1 starter at quarterback, with Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener all vying for the spot.
Shough, drafted by the Saints in the second round this year, is currently the odds-on favorite, thanks in part to Derek Carr's retirement. The signal-caller's college career was a turbulent one, filled with stints at Oregon and Texas Tech before finding a home at Louisville, where he put up decent but unspectacular numbers.
Saints' Week 1 Starting QB Odds
Following Derek Carr's departure, the door for a new starting quarterback has been flung wide open, as indicated by new head coach Kellen Moore. Jake Haener, the team's 2023 fourth-round pick, remains a contender, but he'd likely secure the starting role only if he somehow dazzles the Saints' new coaching staff during offseason training.
New sportsbook DraftKings has weighed in on the odds for the Saints' Week 1 starting quarterback. Take advantage of their promo code when placing your NFL futures bets. Keep in mind that these odds might shift as the preseason unfolds.
Can Shough Reign Supreme?
The Saints' fortunes on the field have been less than stellar, exemplified by their 91-point season opening performance followed by a dismal stretch of subpar play. For Shough to truly shine, the team needs a complete overhaul – healthy wide receivers, a renewed Alvin Kamara, and the instant impact of first-round pick Kelvin Banks Jr. at Offensive Tackle.
Shough's persistence is undeniable after spending seven years in college, yet his age (25) sets him apart from his competition. He boasts a history of injuries from his time at Texas Tech, but he managed to stay healthy during his standout campaign with Louisville. Although his mobility is often praised, some scouts remain skeptical about how well it will translate to the professional level. The ceiling for Shough may be the highest among the current candidates, but the New Orleans offense is far from a polished product.
The Saints' QB Chaos
The Saints' quarterback predicament took a turn for the worse when Jake Haener was suspended for six games and underwhelmed during his lone start. Spencer Rattler, on the other hand, struggled mightily with turnovers and even failed to impress against a less-than-optimally healthy Haener. Teams targeted Rattler relentlessly, recording 22 sacks of him in just seven games, compared to the negligible eight times Carr was sacked in 10 games.
Although the Saints wouldn't think of releasing Rattler, they'd be wise to consider it. As a 2024 second-round draft pick with underwhelming results, Rattler can be excused for his shortcomings. However, arch-rival teams will find it hard to ignore his glaring weaknesses, especially given that he attempted fewer than six yards per pass, far below the league average of 7.0 yards.
The question remains whether Rattler's shortcomings are merely a result of his inexperience or if he's truly a chronic underperformer. His best hope lies in the shortcomings of his competition. As the Saints search for their franchise quarterback, it's possible that they'll indeed give Rattler another chance, if only to ensure they pick high in the 2026 NFL Draft.
A New Hope: Arch Manning
While the Saints bide their time with their current quarterbacks, they can't help but look toward the future. And the main prospect that catches their eye is Arch Manning, the highly-coveted quarterback prospect who ranks atop the NFL Draft 2026 futures[5]. Will the Saints take a chance on Manning? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the team will be attending the draft hoping to strike gold.
Who Takes the First Snap in Week 1?
Given the Saints' need for a fresh start at quarterback, we expect Tyler Shough to emerge as the Week 1 starter. Even though preseason is not the ultimate indicator of regular season success, Shough's skills and performance put him in pole position. However, don't be surprised if Rattler or Haener get their chance to shine later in the season. The Saints are banking on the 2026 draft to provide the solution to their quarterback woes and will likely use this season to evaluate the competition.
Place Your Wagers for the 2025 Saints' QB
New Orleans is poised for an interesting battle at quarterback. With the Saints' Super Bowl odds already low, a strong showing from the team's new signal-caller could catapult the team back into contention. Put your money on the line with DraftKings Sportsbook, and join the competition to predict the Saints' starting quarterback for Week 1.
- Prediction: Tyler Shough (-260)
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[1] [Source 1][2] [Source 2][3] [Source 3][5] [Source 5][6] [Enrichment Source]
- Tyler Shough, the Saints' second-round pick this year, is favored to start Week 1, partly due to Derek Carr's retirement.
- If Jake Haener wants to secure the starting QB position for the Saints, he'll need to impress the coaching staff during offseason training.
- The new sportsbook DraftKings offers odds on the Saints' Week 1 starting quarterback, and their promo code can be used for NFL futures bets.
- Arch Manning, the top NFL Draft 2026 prospect, is being closely watched by the Saints as they search for their franchise quarterback.
