Saints officially make QB switch to second-round rookie Tyler Shough

Matt Sullivan

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Saints officially make QB switch to second-round rookie Tyler Shough image

The New Orleans Saints have made a major move coming off their Week 8 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Spencer Rattler had started every week so far this season, change is coming for the Saints.

During the game, Tyler Shough took over for a benched Rattler, and while he didn't play at a super high level, he showed some promise, enough that now, he's going to be the starter in New Orleans.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Saints have made a quarterback switch to Shough, as the Saints are pivoting to their 2025 second-round pick to be the team's starter beginning in Week 9.

Saints name Tyler Shough starting quarterback, officially benching Spencer Rattler

"Sources: The future is now in New Orleans, with the Saints making rookie QB Tyler Shough their starter," Rapoport reports. "Spencer Rattler now heads to the bench, while the second-rounder moves to the forefront in a decision coach Kellen Moore informed them of today."

It's a big move for the Saints, as Moore is committing to his rookie quarterback to make his first NFL start. It's not going to be an easy matchup, as he'll face a vaunted Los Angeles Rams defense.

But, after eight weeks of Rattler starting, the Saints are making the switch to Shough. During his first appearance in the NFL against the Buccaneers, Shough went 17 of 30 for 128 passing yards and one interception.

He also tacked on three rushes for 12 yards, ending his first NFL experience without a touchdown in relief of a benched Rattler.

The second-round rookie will get his first start in Week 9, and with a Week 11 bye, Shough will likely get two chances before a bye week to recalibrate and further develop.

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He's not getting the starting job due to Rattler's poor performance, as the 25-year-old quarterback had 1,586 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, and five interceptions through eight weeks this season.

Shough, a 26-year-old rookie, is taking his place as Moore and the Saints look to determine if Shough could be their franchise quarterback.

Sitting at the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Saints could wind up selecting a quarterback. But if Shough shows enough this season, then the Saints could land a king's ransom for the first overall pick if they continue to lose.

Shough will get his first start in Week 9 against the Rams, as the Saints make a massive decision in their quarterback room coming off a 23-3 loss in Week 8.

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