Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
As the calendar turns to August, New Orleans Saints camp battles are starting to find their pecking orders. From starting quarterback to a pair of key defensive back spots on defense, the battles have raged on for a little over a week.
Here is a look at the top competitions and where things stand before what will be a busy weekend at Saints raining camp.
Quarterback Battle
Leader: Spencer Rattler
The second-year quarterback has been the most consistent and productive passer through eight training camp days which includes seven practices and a walk through. He leads in passing touchdowns during team drills and has been the most consistent at moving the ball in ways that are likely to carry over to live games.
Rattler – Tipton – TD! ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/pW1Amq3t7z
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 30, 2025
It hasn’t been all about the big play for Rattler. His work in the middle of the field and in the short and intermediate areas are what make passing offenses successful in real game action. His ability to produce with his legs as well has helped to set him apart both as a scrambler and in designed run opportunities.
Rattler sits atop the quarterback battle with the most team reps of camp and as the only quarterback option through eight days to not see a single third team rep.
Running Back Battle
Leader: N/A
This one’s tricky. Third-year back Kendre Miller should be solidly placed as a team investment with multiple years of institution cache and a newly supportive run scheme for his time of play. However, veteran players and the new coaching staff’s draft pick are all set to challenge. The hard part here is that two of the Saints’ three padded practices have included end of half or end game two-minute drill work, which is heavily weighted toward the passing game.
Pick your favorite to lead here, because for now, more information is a must.
Safety Battle
Leader: Julian Blackmon
With safety Justin Reid taking on the quarterback of the defense role following Tyrann Mathieu’s retirement, a new safety role opened up right as camp began. Many believed that the role would be wide open for players already in the building, third-year safety Jordan Howden and rookie Jonas Sanker, but the signing of Blackmon has really changed things.
Blackmon has taken command of first team reps quickly. His five years of NFL experience are proving valuable in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s scheme. He has several qualities the Saints love in that he has great ball production (seven interceptions in the last two seasons) and he is a very strong communicator. Staley has wanted to work with him for some time. Blackmon has taken advantage of that opportunity
Cornerback Battle
Leader: Isaac Yiadom
This is a close battle, but tie goes to the runner and the runner is always the veteran. Yiadom has solidly held on to first team reps all throughout camp thus far. With veteran experience being at a premium in the secondary, it makes sense. Having an experienced and productive player across from second-year corner Kool-Aid McKinstry in nickel sets makes a lot of sense.
But keep an eye on rookie Quincy Riley who has a pair of interceptions already in camp. He got off to a late start in the field after missing OTAs and minicamp, but has shown very few signs of struggling to catch up.
Kicker Battle
Leader: Blake Grupe
It’s hard to call this one a battle any further. Grupe is 19/20 on field goal attempts in camp with his one miss coming during a random downpour in the third day of camp on a 49-yard attempt. He has a long of 53 and a pair of makes from 51, as well.
Rival kicker Charlie Smyth has a remarkable leg and is working to improve his accuracy, especially in the 40-50 yard range. Once he can do that, he’ll be set to challenge any kicker in the league. But he may be another year or so away from that. Grupe has a strong and deserved hold on his starting role.
