The New Orleans Saints’ quarterback situation has been one of the most closely watched storylines in training camp, especially after rookie Spencer Rattler endured a brutal introduction into the NFL.

But despite an 0-10 record as a starter, head coach Kellen Moore believes Rattler has shown the kind of growth that warrants another chance.

Speaking on the young quarterback’s development, Moore emphasized both the progress made, and the challenges ahead.

Rattler’s Path to QB1

Spencer Rattler, a 2024 fifth-round pick, was thrown into the spotlight earlier than expected after Derek Carr’s injury.

The results weren’t pretty: the Saints lost every game he started, but Rattler still managed to set the franchise rookie passing yards record.

With Carr’s future uncertain and competition from rookie Tyler Shough and second-year Jake Haener, Rattler entered camp needing to prove that his struggles as a rookie were part of a learning curve rather than a long-term ceiling.

Kellen Moore has consistently praised Rattler’s growth in decision making and consistency. He highlighted the QB’s ability to stay poised in the pocket while still using his legs to extend plays, something that made him stand out in the preseason.

Moore said the competition wasn’t about potential alone. Rattler had “earned the opportunity” to start through his preparation, execution, and maturity.

Building for the Long Term

While Kellen Moore has shown confidence in Rattler, he has also been intentional about framing this as a process. He doesn’t want constant debate over who should start week to week. Moore instead has stressed patience, explaining that both Rattler and Shough are long-term assets for the franchise. Moore believes that allowing them to grow without the weight of constant comparisons is crucial to their development.

Under Moore’s guidance, Rattler has tightened up his decision-making and shown more consistency in practice.

Rattler’s mobility continues to be an asset, giving him the ability to extend plays when things don’t go as planned. He has shown greater composure compared to his rookie season, which is a quality Moore has highlighted as proof of his progress. Securing the starting role over Tyler Shough showed that the coaching staff has recognized these strides.

But Spencer Rattler’s development is still incomplete.

The most obvious issue remains his winless record as a starter, something that will only change with continued production in real games. Protecting the football and avoiding costly turnovers will be critical.

Beyond stats, Moore has noted that true growth requires leadership.

Commanding the huddle, instilling confidence in teammates, and translating practice consistency into Sundays.

In the end, Moore’s decision comes down to trust in the process.

By naming him QB1, Moore has given Rattler both responsibility and belief.

He wants Rattler to feel secure in his role, and to focus on growth rather than glancing over his shoulder.

For Moore, the progress is clear, and the next step is seeing whether that growth can lead to wins.

The Saints’ gamble on Rattler is both a reflection of Moore’s philosophy for development and the team’s need for stability on the game’s most important position.

Rattler has shown signs of growth, but now faces the ultimate test: turning lessons into victories.

If Moore’s confidence proves correct, the Saints may finally have their quarterback of the future.