The New Orleans Saints have the least experienced quarterback room in the NFL. Well, at least in terms of those who might line up behind center in 2025.
The retirement of Derek Carr this offseason left the Saints with a cacophony of young signal-callers.
Why the Saints Are OK With Four Young Quarterbacks
Spencer Rattler, the team’s fourth-round draft pick in 2024, threw 228 passes as a rookie. That gives him the most NFL pass attempts of any QB on the New Orleans roster. Jake Haener, a 2023 fourth-round pick, got into eight games last season with one start, throwing 39 passes overall.
New Orleans drafted Louisville’s Tyler Shough in the second round in this year’s draft, and after Carr retired, signed rookie free agent Hunter Dekkers.
Some, including Saints legend Drew Brees, have wondered aloud about New Orleans perhaps bringing in someone with NFL experience – at least more than the limited action which current players on the roster have – to potentially mentor the young guns.
But those people are forgetting the other people in the quarterback room. Namely, the head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterback coach.
“I mean, what are you going to get from that?” said Haener regarding the Saints’ coaches. “Those guys (on staff) are veterans, man. They’ve done it. They’ve been through it. … You’ve got everything you need in terms of what to look for, what to ask, what to see. They’ve seen it all. They’ve been around it.
“If there’s anything we’re missing, that we don’t have all the answers to the test — we’re still young, we have a lot to learn — they’re great resources to have.”
Kellen Moore was hired to be New Orleans’ head coach. All he’s done is oversee the development of players such as Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, and Dak Prescott, in addition to serving as an NFL backup himself. Moore was also one of the best college quarterbacks of all time, ranking third in NCAA history in passing touchdowns, fourth in completion percentage, and eighth in passing yards.
Offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier was Hurts’ quarterback coach last season and has 10 years of NFL experience. Additionally, his son, Garrett, is considered a top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Then, quarterback coach Scott Tolzien was a backup in the NFL for seven years and was Dallas’ QB coach the past two seasons.
That’s not to mention offensive assistant Scott Linehan, who brings 36 years of NFL experience to the team.
Moore and company likely see the young arms as their path in 2025. Also, they are probably aware not much is thought of New Orleans. Oddsmakers have tabbed the Saints with an over/under of 5.5 wins. It was higher with Carr – all of 6.5.
A veteran might be nice to see on the roster, but he might be relegated to more of a teaching role. Also, would a veteran really make that much difference in terms of wins and losses?
The Saints could have easily signed an experienced quarterback after Carr retired but didn’t. That actually could prove to be a prudent move.
New Orleans’ best bet might be qualifying for a high 2026 draft pick and having a shot at Texas’ Arch Manning or another top prospect such as Penn State’s Drew Allar, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik, or South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers.
There’s also that kid at LSU with the familiar last name – Garrett Nussmeier.
