The New Orleans Saints and their new rookie head coach, Kellen Moore, have a rough road ahead of them as they try to figure out their quarterback position. Derek Carr was likely going to be the starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
However, his surprise retirement following a severe shoulder injury in the offseason has left the QB1 position vacant in New Orleans. At Moore’s disposal are three quarterbacks, including a rookie, who have a combined 3 years of experience in the league. For the time being, the former offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles is keeping his options open.
Kellen Moore Reveals QB Plans After Derek Carr
Carr came to the Saints after a nine-year run with the Raiders, where he earned four Pro Bowl selections. After signing a four-year contract worth $150 million, he was supposed to carry New Orleans in the post-Drew Brees era.
Unfortunately, his first two seasons did not bring the expected results. A 3,878-yard and 25-touchdown in his first year was a solid start. However, it did not result in a playoff berth for the Saints, and his second season ended prematurely with a fractured hand.
Now retired, it turns the focus of the organization to the quarterbacks still under contract. Those include Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener, and rookie Tyler Shough. Out of the three, Kellen Moore has a decision to make for his week one starter.
But, for the time being, Moore is content to let them battle it out. Matthew Paras first broke the news, writing, “Kellen Moore said Derek Carr’s retirement provides clarity for younger QB room and a competition will take place: ‘Those guys will be ready and be fired up for that.'”
Kellen Moore said Derek Carr's retirement provides clarity for younger QB room and a competition will take place: "Those guys will be ready and be fired up for that."
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) May 10, 2025
Soon after, Adam Schefter broke it down further. “Saints HC Kellen Moore said they will rotate all their quarterbacks, give them all opportunities, as one tries to seize the starting job. ‘We’re going to let all three of these guys roll,’ Moore said. Each will be given the chance to win the Saints’ starting job.”
Saints HC Kellen Moore said they will rotate all their quarterbacks, give them all opportunities, as one tries to seize the starting job. “We’re going to let all three of these guys roll,” Moore said. Each will be given the chance to win the Saints’ starting job. pic.twitter.com/eSW3H49JcU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 10, 2025
PFSN analyzed the chances Shough has of entering his rookie season as QB1 for the Saints. Maybe unsurprisingly, out of the three options currently in their quarterback room, he seems like the best bet for the New Orleans organization as a whole. Haener rarely saw the field last season and when he did, it was uninspiring.
Rattler faired similarly, though he played much more frequently and had a few bright moments in his rookie campaign.
Unless the team takes the plunge on a veteran free agent (hint: Aaron Rodgers), choosing among the three available options might not be the most exquisite choice for Moore. Fresh off a victory in Super Bowl LIX with the Eagles, he has a tall order ahead of him immediately.