The fantasy football market has clearly assumed that second-round rookie Tyler Shough will start at QB right away in New Orleans. But the Saints clearly aren't assuming too much so far. The team has reportedly rotated its top three QBs through first-team work evenly through early training camp.
What They're Saying
John Sigler of Saints Wire: "Saints QB rotation so far (1-2-3):
- Day 1: Rattler, Shough, Haener
- Day 2: Shough, Rattler, Haener
- Day 3: Haener, Rattler, Shough
- Day 4: Rattler, Shough, Haener
- Day 5: Shough, Rattler, Haener
- Day 6: Haener, Rattler, Shough"
2025 Fantasy Football Impact
Perhaps it's noteworthy that Rattler led off, but he also easily leads the trio in NFL experience. Rattler started six of seven appearances as a 2024 rookie. Haener has attempted 39 total passes and started one game through two seasons.
Shough leads the group in physical ability. His second-round draft capital suggests the Saints hope he can develop into the Derek Carr replacement (at least temporarily). He's the only one among the three to arrive after New Orleans hired HC Kellen Moore. And opening ahead of at least Haener on the depth chart looks positive.
Ultimately, this competition probably doesn't matter a whole lot for fantasy. None of these QBs should factor into your fantasy plans beyond reserve spots for a superflex or 2-QB league. And we're not giving any Saints WRs a projections boost (or punishment) regardless of who wins the QB competition.
Still, we'll be watching to see how it plays out -- and whether Rattler or Shough can do anything to alter our perception.