Shough vs Spencer right now

By: Jake Rajala

The New Orleans Saints drafted gunslinger Tyler Shough in the second round of the 2025 draft. This comes a year after they drafted Spencer Rattler in the fifth round of the 2024 draft. It is true: Derek Carr has retired from his shoulder injury. Hence, there will be competition between Rattler and Shough. I believe that Jake Haener is the odd man out. The question is: which young QB has the edge?

Rattler was able to get on the field and play through his growing pains. Rattler went 0-6 in his six starts. He threw four touchdowns to six interceptions. He also had a 57% completion percentage. His best moment came against the Washington Commanders – where he led the offense down to score with no time left on the clock. He went for the two point conversion, but he wasn’t able to convert. His ability to shine against a talented Commanders defense was noted.

Rattler wasn’t able to play with Chris Olave or Rashid Shaheed for most of his starts. With the two main weapons healthy, Spencer should be able to take a step up.

Tyler Shough has caught a lot of heat for two reasons. First off – he’s been mocked for being 25 years old – which is old for a rookie. He’s already the same age as Bo Nix, who played last season for the Denver Broncos. Second, a lot of people were upset that the Saints drafted Tyler ahead of Shedeur Sanders. As a Saints fan, I believe that there is drama surrounding Shedeur, as he tanked some interviews. Hence, Tyler deserved to be drafted as the third QB on draft night.

Tyler can also make impressive throws on the run, similar to Jalen Hurts. He also showed that he can take care of the football. He had six interceptions, while Shedeur had 10.

I believe a quality deep throw will play a role in determining which QB will have the keys to the offense. Olave and Shaheed have deep speed, so that needs to be utilized. They will also get open deep down the field on play-action.

Spencer has experience with members of the Saints offense, plus he has a head start with Kellen Moore’s playbook. This will only help Rattler thrive.

I believe that Shough has the edge in Moore’s offense. Rattler struggled to make simple accurate throws in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense a season ago. Shough can not only get the ball to his playmakers in space and take care of the football, but he can make magic happen with his legs, as he ran a 4.63 at the combine.

Shough may be 25, but he’s still nine years younger than Carr! Plus, he has more guts and experience with bouncing back than younger QBs. I trust that Shough will excel – as he possesses a fine combination of college production and athletic ability.

Let’s not forget that Shough, who is quite mobile, is more fit for a tush push than Rattler.