Saints Embrace Youth Movement in Quarterback Room, But Leave Door Open for Veteran Help

The New Orleans Saints have taken a bold turn toward youth at one of the NFL’s most vital positions. With the 2025 season fast approaching, the Saints’ quarterback room is loaded with potential—but not experience.

As it stands, the Saints' quarterback depth chart includes second-year signal-caller Spencer Rattler, third-year quarterback Jake Haener, recent draft pick Tyler Shough—a second-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft—and Hunter Dekkers. The group represents promise and raw talent, but also a glaring lack of NFL success. Combined, they have zero career wins as starters.

Spencer Rattler, who started six games last season, was unable to notch a single victory. Jake Haener, meanwhile, started just once before being benched for poor performance. Tyler Shough and Hunter Dekkers have yet to throw a regular-season NFL pass.

Despite the inexperience, new Saints head coach Kellen Moore isn't hitting the panic button.

Speaking to the media earlier this week, Moore acknowledged the youth of the quarterback room but expressed optimism about its potential—and the coaching staff’s ability to guide them.

“Certainly there are times where if the opportunity presents itself, you feel like it’s a really good fit, you’d love to do it,” Moore said when asked about the possibility of adding a veteran. “We feel like we have some good guys here that can certainly mentor each other at the same time, going through the process.”

Moore, who built a reputation as a quarterback-friendly coach during his time as offensive coordinator in Dallas and Los Angeles, pointed to the collective experience of his staff as a stabilizing force. Alongside offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien, Moore believes the infrastructure is in place to help the young QBs develop quickly.

“I feel like our quarterback room has some experience there in the sense of myself, Doug, and Scott,” Moore added. “We’ve all been around for a while from a player’s and coach’s perspective. We do feel like we’ve got a good room, but obviously we’re always looking to upgrade our roster as we go.”

Still, Moore left the door open for a potential veteran addition, calling the roster "a moving, dynamic thing throughout the offseason process."

While Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune reported that the Saints are not pursuing four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers—who remains a free agent—there are other intriguing options still available.

Ryan Tannehill, the longtime Titans starter, brings poise, professionalism, and deep playoff experience to the table. A former Pro Bowler, Tannehill helped guide Tennessee to the AFC Championship in 2019 and is known for his efficiency, leadership, and mobility.

Carson Wentz offers a high-upside option. The former No. 2 overall pick has had an up-and-down career, but he brings significant starting experience and has shown flashes of elite play. Wentz would represent a high-risk, high-reward bridge for a team full of unproven talent.

Then there’s Teddy Bridgewater, a name that carries extra weight in New Orleans. Back in 2019, Bridgewater went 5-0 as a starter while filling in for an injured Drew Brees. He threw for 1,084 yards, 9 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions during that stretch, finishing with a passer rating of 99.1.

Bridgewater’s connection to the city, both on and off the field, makes him a fan favorite. His return would bring not only veteran stability but also an emotional lift to the locker room and fan base.

“Teddy is a guy who understands this city and this team,” one team source said. “If there’s a guy who can step in and be a mentor, it’s him.”

For now, the Saints appear content to see what they have in their young signal-callers. Moore and his staff are focused on development, with organized team activities providing the first real look at how Rattler, Haener, Shough, and Dekkers stack up.

“Right now, we feel great,” Moore said. “We feel like we’ve got some young guys. We’re excited to just get them on the field and participate. We’ll give those guys a bunch of opportunities. It’ll be exciting to see them get out there, learn, grow, make good plays, miss a few. And that’s what the whole process is about.”

Whether the Saints stick with their youthful group or make a move for a veteran quarterback remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the development of the quarterback room will be one of the defining storylines of the Saints’ 2025 campaign.