Saints Make Quarterback Decision For Week 1

The New Orleans Saints named Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback for their Week 1 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on September 7, head coach Kellen Moore announced on Tuesday (August 26).

"Spencer Rattler's our starting quarterback. Really, really excited for him. He's done an awesome job this offseason," Moore said via NFL.com. "He's just been consistent. He's made some really good decisions throughout this whole entire process and his ability to make plays with his arm and his feet have certainly showed up. I'm really, really excited about Spencer, he's earned this opportunity, he's going to do a tremendous job for us. At the same we're really, really fortunate we got Tyler. Love the development that he's had."

Rattler competed with rookie Tyler Shough, who the team selected at No. 40 overall in the second-round of the 2025 NFL Draft in April. Moore credited Rattler's consistency and decision-making as the biggest factors toward making his decision.

"Obviously excited to be the guy going into Week 1," Rattler told reporters. "Want to lead this team, want to lead these guys. Just keep fighting, that's one thing I can promise is putting my all on that field and I know everybody else will. Good to gain that confidence from your coach to make that decision."

Rattler was selected by the Saints at No. 150 overall in the fifth-round of the 2024 NFL Draft and went 0-6 as a starter during his rookie season in the absence of starter Derek Carr, who announced his retirement in May. The former South Carolina standout threw for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions on 130 of 228 passing in 2024.