In Week 1, the Saints’ first half at Detroit was difficult for Shough. The matchup against the Lions exposed some of the early-season rough edges, prompting questions about what the path forward might look like for the team at the quarterback position. With a rough start like that, speculation naturally circled around potential contingency plans, including whether the Saints would consider making a quarterback change.
Backup quarterback considerations are a natural topic in these situations, and the Saints have several familiar options in the quarterback room. The primary backup is Spencer Rattler, a 2024 fifth-round pick who, despite being younger than Shough, already has some NFL starting experience. Rattler appeared in a handful of starts during the 2024 season and again in 2025. While his win-loss record—0-6 in 2024 and 1-7 in 2025—was far from ideal, it’s important to note that team performance and surrounding personnel can heavily influence outcomes beyond a quarterback’s control. Throughout his first two NFL seasons, Rattler has completed a solid portion of his passes, delivering more than 2,900 passing yards and accumulating 12 touchdowns to 10 interceptions on the ledger. In addition to his passing duties, he has shown mobility, recording multiple rushing attempts and yardage that reflect his ability to extend plays with his legs.
Beyond Rattler, the Saints also have Zach Wilson on the depth chart, who served as inactive in Week 1 as the emergency third quarterback. Wilson’s presence provides another experienced option in case the organization decides to pivot at any point, whether for injury considerations, game flow, or strategic reasons.
The intrigue surrounding Spencer Rattler largely centers on his potential trajectory. Entering the NFL after a standout college career, there was significant buzz that, had he entered the league a year earlier, he might have been a top-10 pick. As his college career evolved, some flaws became more apparent, and a transfer changed the path of his professional projection, helping him land in the fifth round. Despite the challenges he faced early in his NFL tenure, Rattler’s profile remains appealing to teams that value athleticism and pocket versatility. His youth relative to Shough suggests there could still be room for growth and refinement in his game.
From a team-building standpoint, it would be improbable for the Saints to bench Shough this early in the season. A quarterback change at this juncture could have far-reaching effects on the young signal-caller’s confidence and the team’s cohesion. If a move were to happen at any point, Rattler’s readiness and resume would position him as a viable alternative with the potential to inject a different dynamic into the offense.
For fans and analysts, the storyline around the Saints’ quarterback depth is about more than just win-loss records. It’s about development, opportunity, and the long-term plan for the franchise at the most influential position on the field. Shough’s growth as a passer, decision-maker, and play-extending threat will shape the Saints’ offensive identity in the coming weeks and months. Rattler, on the other hand, represents a blueprint for a quarterback who could harness his athletic ability and experience to contribute if ever called upon as a starter or important rotation option.
In the end, the Saints’ approach to their quarterback room will balance the desire to protect the developing talent in Shough with the practical need to have a capable backup who can step in if circumstances demand. The evolution of this position battle will likely unfold through the season, with each development offering insights into the team’s longer-term plans and the readiness of both quarterbacks to lead the offense when called upon.
