Saints OTAs end June 5, 2025; Shough & Rattler battle for QB1 after Carr's retirement. Get the latest on the Saints' new era and QB competition!
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
And just like that, another round of OTAs is in the books for our New Orleans Saints! Thursday, June 5th, marked the conclusion of these crucial offseason workouts, and all eyes were firmly fixed on the quarterback position. With Derek Carr officially hanging up his cleats, the spotlight intensified on youngsters Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler, who took the lion's share of reps as the coaching staff got an extended look at the future under center.
The Saints are officially entering a new era at quarterback, and the competition is wide open.
With Derek Carr's retirement now a reality, the Saints are turning the page. OTAs provided a massive opportunity for Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler to showcase their talents. Both quarterbacks received extensive work, with coaches emphasizing these sessions for rapid development. Reports from the practice field indicate both showed 'flashes of potential,' which is exactly what you want to hear at this stage. General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed the team is still seeking clarity on Carr's shoulder issue that led to his decision, but the primary focus has decisively shifted. Come training camp, expect a three-way battle for the starting job, with Jake Haener also firmly in the mix. The Saints are in full evaluation mode, and no new signings or trades were announced today, signaling confidence in the current QB room to battle it out.
While the QB situation is front and center, the health of several key players remains a significant storyline. As of June 5th, the injury report still lists Taysom Hill (knee), Chris Olave (concussion), Nick Saldiveri (shoulder), Erik McCoy (center), and Rashid Shaheed (wide receiver) as questionable. Taysom Hill's recovery from a torn ACL is particularly noteworthy, not just for his on-field impact but also due to his significant salary cap hit, making him a potential cap casualty if his recovery timeline or contract situation doesn't align with the team's plans. The good news? No new injuries were reported during OTAs, which is always a win.
In some positive off-field news for the Saints, an NFL proposal to change playoff seeding rules failed to pass. The proposal would have eliminated guaranteed home playoff games for division winners, potentially meaning a division champ with a lesser record might have had to travel. Thankfully, the current system, which benefits teams like the Saints who often find themselves in a tight NFC South race, remains. If the Saints can capture the division crown in 2025, they'll still secure that crucial home playoff game, a significant advantage for any team, but especially one playing in the Superdome.
Even with the serious business of QB evaluations and injury monitoring, the energy at OTAs seemed high. The Saints' official social media channels gave fans a peek behind the curtain with photos and videos from Wednesday's session (June 4th), showcasing energetic drills and player camaraderie. It was great to see glimpses of Chris Olave, Pete Werner, and rookie Quincy Riley in action. The fan response has been overwhelmingly positive, with everyone eager for the 2025 season to get closer.
As OTAs wrap up, the Saints head into a brief summer break with plenty to ponder. The quarterback competition will undoubtedly be the dominant narrative heading into training camp, but getting key playmakers like Olave, Shaheed, and Hill healthy will be just as crucial for any success in 2025. The journey to define the post-Carr era has truly begun. Who Dat!
