New Orleans Saints Have Limited Options At QB

In a surprising move, Derek Carr announced his retirement from the NFL. The news leaves the QB room in New Orleans very thin, and there’s a lot of uncertainty around the position. New Orleans has three options on the roster that could replace Carr. The Saints could always sign a quarterback, but this is about looking at the internal options right now. 

New Orleans Saints Second Round Pick

The Saints’ second-round QB pick, Tyler Shough is an option at QB for the Saints this upcoming season. According to Adam Schefter, Shough is the highest overall QB pick that the Saints have selected since Archie Manning in 1971. While it’s being reported that the New Orleans Saints are going to give all three of their quarterbacks a shot, Shough is the one with no NFL Experience. 

The Saints might look at prioritizing him since he was taken in the second round. The other options at quarterback are Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener.  

Spencer Rattler Seems Like Option Two 

Rattler appeared in seven games for the Saints last season and did not record a win. He recorded four touchdowns, five interceptions and 1,317 passing yards. He’s been given a small opportunity, and it didn’t go according to plan, to say the least. All of the quarterbacks are inexperienced, so it’ll come down to who earns the opportunity. 

Maybe the struggles Rattler faced last season will help him come into this year. Whatever the case is, the New Orleans Saints are in a tough spot going into this upcoming season. Carr was a placeholder, but he was a solid placeholder QB at that. 

Last Thoughts

Shough has the most potential as of now. Kellen Moore described his first taste of practice as ‘excellent.” Granted that the practices Moore is referencing are seven-on-seven practices. That is a promising development among all of this. Moore will have his hands full this season. 

The New Orleans Saints shouldn’t rule out signing a free agent QB on the market. Aaron Rodgers is still out there, and who knows when his saga with the Steelers will come to an end. A veteran QB could give Shough/Rattler a chance at another year of mentorship and development but at the expense of getting some real experience and opportunity. It’ll be interesting to see what direction they decide to go.