Saints Stun NFL: New Orleans Lands Superstar in Surprise Trade

Dateline: Metairie, La. — The New Orleans Saints have officially named rookie quarterback Tyler Shough the starter for Sunday’s Week 2 preseason matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, escalating a position battle that has dominated camp headlines. Why Tyler Shough Gets the Nod Head coach Kellen Moore wants an extended look at Shough’s live-game command after an up-and-down debut in Los Angeles. The second-round pick completed 15-of-22 passes for 165 yards and a 54-yard touchdown but also threw a costly pick-six. Coaches were impressed by his pocket poise and ability to push the ball vertically—two traits the Saints lacked last season when they finished last in total offense. What It Means for Spencer Rattler Second-year signal-caller Spencer Rattler, who started the opener, will work with the second unit Sunday. Rattler’s 7-of-11, 53-yard line against the Chargers created little separation in the competition. With only three preseason games on the NFL’s trimmed schedule, every snap now carries heightened weight for the former fifth-rounder seeking to avoid a backup designation. Taysom Hill’s Clouded Future Complicating the quarterback calculus is the uncertain status of do-it-all veteran Taysom Hill, still on the PUP list after December ACL surgery. Hill turns 35 next week, carries a $10 million 2025 base salary and “is not close to a return,” Moore acknowledged this week. If rehab lingers into the regular season, New Orleans may be forced to lean exclusively on Shough or Rattler for red-zone packages that previously showcased Hill’s rushing threat. Other Camp Battles Heating Up • Running back: Rookie Keaton Mitchell is challenging incumbent Clyde Edwards-Helaire for RB2 snaps behind Alvin Kamara. • Right tackle: Trevor Penning and veteran Marcus Cannon continue to rotate with the 1’s while Ryan Ramczyk (knee) remains sidelined. • Slot corner: Second-year ballhawk Kool-Aid McKinstry is making a late push against Alontae Taylor after a two-pick practice Thursday. Why Sunday Matters 1. Live reps vs. Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen—who knows the Saints’ scheme inside-out—offer a real test for Shough’s protection calls. 2. New Orleans has dropped six straight preseason games; Moore wants to establish a winning tone in the Superdome. 3. Fantasy managers are watching rookie WR Mason Tipton, whose 54-yard TD last week vaulted him onto dynasty sleeper lists. How to Watch Kickoff is 1 p.m. CT at Caesars Superdome. The game streams on NFL +, airs locally on WVUE-FOX 8 and nationally on NFL Network. Bottom Line The Saints’ 2025 ceiling hinges on solving their quarterback puzzle before Week 1. A crisp performance from Tyler Shough Sunday could fast-track the rookie toward QB1 honors, while another stumble would crack the door for Spencer Rattler—and keep the Taysom Hill question simmering. Either way, all eyes in the Crescent City (and the NFC South) will be glued to the Superdome this weekend as the saints march closer to a final decision.