Kellen Moore Names Tyler Shough Saints’ Starting QB

The New Orleans Saints are making a firm commitment under center. Head coach Kellen Moore announced Wednesday that rookie quarterback Tyler Shough will remain the team’s starter moving forward, signaling a new direction for an offense struggling to find consistency.

“Tyler’s starting, so we’re not looking back on that,” Moore said. “The goal is to let Tyler play and get going. Spencer [Rattler] knows his role is to be the backup and help Tyler in any way he can.”

Saints Commit to Stability at Quarterback

The Saints’ quarterback carousel appears to be over. Moore made it clear he wants to avoid the constant back-and-forth that has defined the position this season. New Orleans opened the year with Rattler as the starter, but after a disappointing 1–7 start and continued offensive struggles, Moore decided to hand the reins to Shough.

“We’re not doing this back-and-forth thing,” Moore emphasized. “When Spencer went in, we weren’t going to debate it every week. Now Tyler’s in there, he’s ready to go. The objective is to let him play, grow, and have success.”

Shough Embraces Leadership Opportunity

Moore informed Shough of the decision on Tuesday, two days after the Saints’ 23–3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For the 24-year-old rookie, it was both a validation of his hard work and a reminder of the challenge ahead.

“He was just complimentary of the work I’ve done behind the scenes,” Shough said. “It was a good feeling, but at the same time, we know there’s a lot of work to do.”

Despite the team’s record, Shough said his teammates have responded positively to the transition. “Obviously, it’s not a fun situation being 1–7,” he admitted. “But I’ve built great relationships throughout the locker room. Finally getting practice reps with the receivers has been awesome.”

Moore Looks for Offensive Turnaround

For Moore, the decision wasn’t just about Rattler’s performance but about energizing an offense that has struggled to sustain drives and capitalize on opportunities.

“This doesn’t have only to do with Spencer,” Moore explained. “It’s everyone associated with the offense. We’re continuing to build and grow each week, and I think Tyler’s ready. He’s prepared really well through this whole process.”

With Shough now firmly entrenched as QB1, the Saints hope stability under center can spark a late-season resurgence. For Moore, it’s a decisive step toward establishing identity and consistency, something the franchise has lacked through the first half of the season.