What Theyre Saying About Saints QB Competition

Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 16th 2025 at 17:56 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The New Orleans Saints still haven't named a starting quarterback yet for Week 1, but that decision is coming. Head coach Kellen Moore said as much this week w

The Buzz Surrounding the New Orleans Saints' Quarterback Competition

The New Orleans Saints' quarterback room has become a focal point of intrigue heading into the NFL season, with a mix of veteran experience and youthful potential creating a compelling narrative. At the center of this competition is the battle for the starting role, primarily between established starter Derek Carr and emerging talents like rookie Spencer Rattler and second-year player Jake Haener. Analysts, coaches, and insiders across the league have weighed in extensively, offering a range of perspectives on how this dynamic could shape the Saints' fortunes. The consensus seems to be that while Carr holds the pole position, the competition is far from settled, injecting excitement and uncertainty into the team's preseason preparations.

Derek Carr, who joined the Saints last offseason on a significant contract, remains the presumptive starter. Many experts praise his arm talent, decision-making, and leadership qualities, which were evident in flashes during his first year with the team. However, there's no shortage of commentary on his inconsistencies, particularly in high-pressure situations. One prominent NFL analyst noted that Carr's performance in training camp has been solid but not spectacular, emphasizing his need to build better chemistry with the receiving corps, including stars like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. "Carr has the tools to lead this offense to the playoffs," the analyst said, "but he must reduce those unforced errors that plagued him in Las Vegas and carried over to New Orleans." Coaches within the Saints' organization have echoed this sentiment, highlighting Carr's work ethic and his efforts to mentor younger quarterbacks, which could indirectly strengthen his grip on the starting job.

Yet, the real buzz centers on Spencer Rattler, the fifth-round draft pick out of South Carolina and Oklahoma, who has turned heads with his preseason performances. Rattler's raw athleticism, strong arm, and improvisational skills have drawn comparisons to gunslingers like Patrick Mahomes, albeit with the caveat that he needs to refine his footwork and decision-making under duress. In recent practices, Rattler has impressed with deep throws and poise in the pocket, leading some scouts to suggest he could push for significant playing time sooner than expected. A national sports outlet reported that Rattler's ability to extend plays has been a standout feature, with one observer stating, "He's got that 'it' factor – the kind of swagger that can energize a franchise. If Carr stumbles early, Rattler might force the coaches' hand." This enthusiasm is tempered by concerns over his college inconsistencies, where turnovers and off-field narratives sometimes overshadowed his talent. Still, Saints head coach Dennis Allen has publicly praised Rattler's progress, noting his quick adaptation to the pro level and his eagerness to learn from veterans.

Jake Haener, a fourth-round pick from last year's draft, adds another layer to the competition. Often described as a steady, high-IQ quarterback with excellent accuracy on short-to-intermediate throws, Haener has been lauded for his preparation and football intelligence. Insiders point out that while he lacks the arm strength of Carr or Rattler, his consistency in the scout team and limited preseason snaps has made him a dark horse. One beat writer covering the Saints observed, "Haener doesn't wow you with physical traits, but he rarely makes mistakes. In a system that values precision like Klint Kubiak's offense, he could carve out a role if injuries or underperformance open the door." Comparisons to successful backups like Gardner Minshew have surfaced, with some suggesting Haener's style aligns well with the Saints' emphasis on rhythm and timing.

The broader context of this QB battle is influenced by the Saints' overall roster and coaching changes. With a revamped offensive line and new coordinator Kubiak implementing a scheme inspired by the Shanahan tree, the quarterback who best adapts to quick reads and play-action could emerge victorious. Analysts have debated how this competition motivates the group, with one podcast host arguing, "Competition breeds excellence. Carr knows he's not untouchable, and that's pushing everyone to elevate their game." There's also discussion about the long-term implications: if Rattler or Haener shine, it could signal a youth movement for a team that's been in salary cap purgatory, potentially freeing up resources elsewhere.

From a national perspective, media outlets like ESPN and The Athletic have dedicated segments to the Saints' QB situation, often ranking it among the most intriguing in the NFC South. One ESPN insider predicted that while Carr starts the season, Rattler could see action by mid-year if the team struggles, drawing parallels to successful rookie integrations like C.J. Stroud's with the Texans. Conversely, skeptics warn that thrusting a rookie into the spotlight too soon could derail development, advocating for patience. Local New Orleans reporters have provided on-the-ground insights, detailing how the quarterbacks' personalities mesh in the locker room – Carr as the steady leader, Rattler as the fiery competitor, and Haener as the cerebral student of the game.

Fan reactions, as gleaned from social media and forums, mirror this divide. Some supporters clamor for a fresh start with Rattler, citing Carr's middling record in recent years, while others defend the veteran, pointing to his proven track record of over 4,000-yard seasons. The competition has even sparked debates on sports talk radio, where callers speculate on scenarios like a two-QB system or a mid-season switch. Coaches have downplayed any drama, insisting the focus is on collective improvement rather than individual battles, but the undercurrent of rivalry is palpable.

Looking ahead, the preseason games will be crucial litmus tests. Rattler's performance against live defenses, Haener's ability to manage the second-team offense, and Carr's command of the starters will all be scrutinized. One veteran NFL columnist summed it up: "The Saints have options at quarterback for the first time in years post-Brees. How they navigate this could define their season – and perhaps the next era of the franchise." As training camp progresses, the narrative continues to evolve, with each practice rep adding fuel to the fire of speculation. Whether Carr solidifies his role or a young gun rises, the Saints' quarterback competition is undoubtedly one of the league's most captivating storylines, promising drama, development, and potentially decisive impacts on the team's playoff aspirations. This blend of experience and upside positions New Orleans as a wildcard in the NFC, where quarterback play often separates contenders from pretenders. (Word count: 912)

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What Theyre Saying About Saints QB Competition

The Buzz Surrounding the New Orleans Saints' Quarterback Competition