New Orleans Saints
By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints are set to hit the field again and resume training camp on Sunday.
After three consecutive practices, the team received a much-deserved day off. Before the next five-day stretch of practices begins, it feels like a good time to deliver a progress check on the team’s quarterback battle.
The Contestants
The Saints have remained adamant that there are three players competing for the role. Third-year quarterback Jake Haener, second-year passer Spencer Rattler and rookie signal caller Tyler Shough.
All three have received first team reps through the first trio of days. Only Rattler, up to this point, has not taken reps with the third team.
Who is in the Lead?
It’s hard to tell who holds pole position in the Saints’ eyes. Though it’s very easy to read into Rattler not receiving third team reps, that’s the kind of thing that might even out over the entirety of camp. Worth watching, though.
All three quarterbacks had their strongest practice on Friday, camp’s third day. The trajectory is headed in the right direction for all three.
Picking a front-runner for now seems simple: Rattler.
The second-year pro looked just as comfortable day one of camp as he did during OTAs and minicamp. His third day was stellar, connecting for a pair of touchdowns outside of red zone work and adding his second day of perfect passing attempts without being limited to just checkdowns.
Shough, however, continues to impress as well with great throws and elite ball placement. His best throw of camp came on Friday, but it was his only throw during team drills in front of the media all day. A curious decision by New Orleans that again, will likely balance out over the long run.
Shough to Juwan Johnson pic.twitter.com/ikXaeEJLu3
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) July 25, 2025
Camp Snap Distribution
Rattler: 47
Shough: 39
Haener: 38
These snaps include 7-on-7 and team drills drill and are simply the number of snaps taken, not passes attempted. This also includes only reps seen by the media, which excludes any snaps received during the team’s developmental period.
With Rattler’s eight-snap advantage, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him receive a light day during a non-padded practice like Shough and Haener have seen early.
Passing Stats Thus Far
Rattler: 25/29, two passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, one interception
Shough: 11/20, two passing touchdowns
Haener: 15/23, one passing touchdown
Some Important Context
- Rattler has seen two perfect days. One 9/9 with a lot of drive-starter work (shorter passes) but also found time to push a bit further downfield. He also went 10/10 on the third day, which included more three-level work. Both touchdowns were on third and distance team simulations. One on third-and-seven to Rashid Shaheed on a slant catch and run and another on a third-and-very long connecting with a deep crossing route by tight end Michael Jacobson.
- Both of Shough’s touchdowns came in red zone work and were complete to wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. One was in 7s, the other in teams.
- Shough may have had the best throw of camp with a deep completion to a crossing Juwan Johnson. Unfortunately, that was his only team passing attempt on Friday.
- Haener’s touchdown was also in 7s red zone. A great ball to tight end Juwan Johnson for a toe-tapping grab in the endzone.
30-yard TD from Rattler ➡️ Jacobson to end practice 👊 pic.twitter.com/Bm9lADQp9A
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 25, 2025
What Has Impressed About Each Passer
Head coach Kellen Moore looks for each players’ super powers. So far, each quarterback is showing what theirs may be.
- Rattler’s processing speed has sped up tremendously from his rookie year starts.
- Shough’s ball placement, especially in deep passes, has been outstanding.
- Haener’s quick decisiveness has helped him look sharp when he’s on.
Notes From Each Day
Every snap has been charted for these passers in our daily observations. These stories will include more context about the daily work and detail about each rep, passing attempt and completion, including the work the team is doing for the day.
