The vibe in New Orleans hasn't been this electric since Drew Brees was still slinging it. Honestly, if you told a Saints fan a year ago that Derek Carr would retire and the team would actually look better for it, they’d have probably laughed you out of the French Quarter. But here we are in early 2026, and the saints quarterback depth chart has undergone a total face-lift that basically saved the franchise from salary cap purgatory.
It’s been a wild ride. We went from a sudden veteran retirement to a mid-season benching, and now, finally, to a solidified starter who looks like a legitimate star. If you’re trying to keep track of who’s actually taking the snaps and who’s just holding a clipboard at the Superdome, you’ve gotta look at how this room evolved over a chaotic 2025 season.
The New King of the South: Tyler Shough
Tyler Shough isn't just the starter; he’s the guy who finally gave this offense a pulse. When the Saints grabbed him at pick No. 40 in the 2025 draft, it was the highest they’d taken a QB since Archie Manning back in '71. That’s a lot of pressure, especially for a guy who spent a lot of time in college dealing with "injury-prone" labels.
He didn't start Week 1—Spencer Rattler actually won that job—but once Shough took over in November, everything changed. He went 5-4 as a starter and looked incredibly poised. You’ve probably seen the highlights of him carving up the Jets and Titans for over 300 yards in back-to-back weeks. What’s really impressive is that he’s basically a 26-year-old rookie, so he plays with a maturity you don't usually see from first-year guys.
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Kellen Moore, the offensive coordinator, has been raving about him. Moore basically said the team is "excited" to build around him with a full offseason. Shough finished 2025 with nearly 2,400 yards and 10 touchdowns in just nine starts. He’s the undisputed QB1 heading into the 2026 season.
The High-Value Backup: Spencer Rattler
Spencer Rattler is in a weird spot. He’s good. Like, "starting-caliber" good, according to his coaches. He actually beat out Shough in training camp last year and started the first seven games. But the team went 1-6, and honestly, it wasn't all on him, but the spark just wasn't there.
Right now, Rattler is the definitive No. 2 on the saints quarterback depth chart. There’s been some chatter about trading him—since he’s under contract for two more seasons—but Mickey Loomis hasn't pulled the trigger on anything yet. He’s recovering from a finger injury right now, which makes him "questionable" for the start of training camp, but he’s easily one of the best backup options in the NFC. If Shough goes down, the Saints won't be panicking like they used to.
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The Joker Card: Taysom Hill
Can we even call Taysom a quarterback anymore? Probably not in the traditional sense, but he’s still listed there on the unofficial depth chart. Taysom is currently 35 and dealing with an AC joint injury in his shoulder.
His future is actually a bit of a question mark because of the cap situation. Some experts think this might be the end of the road for the "Swiss Army Knife" in New Orleans, especially with the team moving toward a younger, cheaper roster. If he stays, he’s the emergency QB3 and the guy who comes in on 3rd-and-short to run over a linebacker. If he’s gone, the Saints will likely look for a cheap veteran or an undrafted free agent to fill that third slot.
What Happened to Derek Carr?
You might be wondering why Carr isn't in this conversation at all. Well, he retired. He had a chronic shoulder injury that he disclosed right before the 2025 draft, and two weeks later, he hung up the cleats for good.
It was a shock, for sure. But it actually helped the Saints' cap situation immensely. They forfeited $30 million that was supposed to be paid to him in 2026, which is why they finally have some breathing room to sign guys like Chris Olave to long-term deals.
The Numbers That Actually Matter
If you look at the production from the tail end of last season, you can see why the coaches are so high on the current rotation.
- Tyler Shough: 67.6% completion rate, 2,384 yards, 10 TDs, 6 INTs (as a starter).
- Spencer Rattler: Solid in preseason (30/43), but struggled to find wins as a rookie starter before the switch.
- Taysom Hill: Always a threat on the ground, but mostly a goal-line specialist at this stage of his career.
Why This Depth Chart Works
Most teams have a "bridge" quarterback or a veteran who’s just holding the spot for a rookie. The Saints did the opposite. They let their two young guns battle it out, and they found a winner in Shough.
The depth is actually better than people realize. You have a legitimate starter in Shough who is a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Behind him, you have Rattler, who has starting experience and is only in his second year. Then you have the veteran presence (if he stays) of Taysom Hill. It’s a cheap, young, and talented room.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Analysts
If you're tracking this team through the 2026 offseason, keep a close eye on these specific moves:
- Watch the Taysom Hill contract news. If the Saints cut or trade him, they will need to sign a true QB3 to protect themselves against injuries.
- Monitor the Draft. While the Saints aren't looking for a starter, don't be surprised if they use a late-round pick on a developmental arm like Garrett Nussmeier or Drew Allar if they fall, just to keep the competition high.
- Check the Training Camp reports on Rattler’s finger. If he’s not 100% by July, the backup battle might get interesting with any new additions.
- Follow Tyler Shough’s physical development. He’s had a history of being "fragile" in college; his ability to stay healthy for a full 17-game slate is the only thing standing between the Saints and a division title.