Spencer Rattler was named the New Orleans Saints' starting quarterback for the Sept. 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals. The decision ended a lengthy competition primarily between Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough, with third-year Jake Haener waived. The competition appeared to be finalized after the preseason finale against the Denver Broncos. Rattler, a 2024 fifth-round pick from South Carolina, will make his seventh career start after appearing in seven games in 2024 and starting six in place of an injured Derek Carr, going 0-6 in those starts. Derek Carr retired in May due to a shoulder injury.
The Saints were the last team to name a starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Their decision came after a lengthy battle between Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough. "We're excited for Spence and Tyler is in a great position to continue to develop," Saints coach Kellen Moore.
Third-year quarterback Jake Haener also factored into the competition early in the summer, but it appeared to be a two-man race a week into training camp. Haener was waived Tuesday, sources told ESPN. The quarterback competition ran all summer and appeared to be finalized only after the Saints' preseason finale Saturday against the Denver Broncos. Rattler started the 28-19 loss and played three series with the first-team unit before Shough came in with the backups.
Rattler, a 2024 fifth-round pick out of South Carolina, will be starting his seventh career game when the Saints host the Cardinals next month. He started six games and played in seven games in 2024 when filling in for an injured Derek Carr and went 0-6 in those starts. While Carr seemed poised to return as the Saints starter this year under new Saints coach Kellen Moore, he retired in May due to a shoulder injury.
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