The decision to begin the predictions for the New Orleans Saints has officially been revealed. The Saints will start Spencer Rattler at quarterback in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. He's their starter, according to head coach Kellen Moore. Moore applauded both quarterbacks' performances and determination this offseason, but the short-term starter from last season gets the nod.
For rookie Tyler Shough, what does the future hold for him? It does not sound like Shough's agent is particularly worried about this pick from Moore as of now.
Just moments after Kellen Moore named Spencer Rattler the team's starter, Erik Burkhardt went to Twitter to reveal his thoughts about the decision. Burkhardt is Tyler Shough's agent, but he was not upset by Moore's choice. Instead, he says that he likes the plan by New Orleans, giving the rookie more time before he hits the field in the regular season.
I like the plan
— Erik Burkhardt (@ErikBurkhardt) August 26, 2025
We don't often see agents or anyone in the business of professional sports accept a decision they probably didn't hope for with grace. Burkhardt did that, though. Rattler provides a more epxeirneced baseline for the Saints to begin the season, and they won't rush Shough onto the field simply because he is a rookie who they took in round two.
"I'm a big believer in developing quarterbacks, developing them the right way." -- Kellen Moore
Kellen Moore on why he chose Spencer Rattler ... said it came down to consistency: "I thought he did some really good things, certainly the last couple weeks of practice he had consistent performances just day in and day out." #Saints
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) August 26, 2025
Shough revealed that the quarterbacks did not know when the decision would come to fruition, but they found out today in individual meetings. There is a full team meeting later today to discuss the choice and move forward as a unit.
Regardless, the Saints have made their choice. The debates and consistent pitting of Rattler and Shough can be put on pause for now. If Rattler struggles, it is fair to expect that Shough could get a chance at some point. Moore isn't interest in rushing to that option, though. Only time will tell how the QB position unfolds for a full regular season slate in New Orleans this year, though.
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